Obituary for Richard Cornell Sr.

Richard Lee Cornell Sr. – Veteran

September 27, 1958 – February 27, 2017

Richard Lee Cornell Sr. of Tonkawa, OK was called upon by the Lord on Monday Feb27, 2017 at the age of 58. Richard was born on September 27, 1958 in Pawnee, OK to George Harry and Vivian Horse Chief Eagle Cornell.

Richard attended Chilocco Indian School before enlisting into the United States Army at the age of 17. He excelled during his years of service and his greatest achievement was becoming a Para trooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He enjoyed traveling the world during his Army career and later enjoyed traveling the states while working n demolition. Richard also served as President of the Tonkawa Tribe for a time, then later served as a tribal police officer, and was also the commander of the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma Veterans. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, singing karaoke, playing the guitar, and playing at the casinos.

Richard married his wife, Geraldine Cerre on August 19, 1982. The shared 34 beloved years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, Geraldine Cornell and daughter, Leslie Cornell, of the home; one raise son Jared Silva of Stillwater; a loving grandson Alec Kent of Ponca City; three brothers, Simon Cornell of Ponca City, Michael Cornell and George “G.I” Cornell, both of Tonkawa; two sisters, Marilyn Cornell and Georgiana “Milzi” Cornell both of Ponca City. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and two Army Brothers, Frank “Paco” Alvarado Rocha of Texas and Michael TsoLaddle of Shawnee.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Ben Cerre, his son, Richard “Lee” Cornell Jr. and two brothers, Bruce Cornell and Allen “AT” Cornell.

Traditional Funeral Services will be held following the noon feast that the Tonkawa Tribal Gymnasium where he is lying in state. Burial will follow at the Tonkawa Tribal Cemetery in Tonkawa, OK with arrangements under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.