Clarence A. Cornell, age 76 of Elida and formerly of Columbus Grove, passed away Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at 8:44 am, Lima Memorial Health System. He was born June 6, 1945 in Washington Courthouse, to Frank and Goldie (Beatty) Cornell who preceded him in death. On July 25, 1970 he married Sandra Jones who preceded him in death on Aug. 24, 2009.

Surviving are their sons: Mark Cornell and Shane Cornell both of Elida; two grandchildren: Shane Zachary Cornell of Elida and Cierra D. (Chase) Arnett-Van Schoyck of Spencerville; his great-granddaughter who was the apple of his eye, Harmony Chayse Arnett-Van Schoyck; he was also one of sixteen children.

He was a retired machine operator from the Lima Engine Plant, Ford Motor Company. He attended Wapak Community Church and had been a longtime member of Lima First Assembly of God Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps serving during Viet Nam.

Services will be at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at the Eastside Chapel of Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Lima with Pastor Jason Goss to officiate the service. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park, Springfield, following the service Military rites will be conducted by the U.S.M.C. Honor Guard & Springfield Marine Corps League Honor Guard. Visitation will be on Friday, from 7-9 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.