Funeral services for Mr. Harold (Hal) Lee Cornish, age 90 of Marshall, Texas, are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m., at the Temperanceville Baptist Church, with Bobby Fischer officiating. Internment will follow at the Temperanceville Cemetery. Mr. Cornish passed away on Jan. 15 in Waco, Texas.
He was born Sept. 25, 1935, in Nashville, Ark., the son of the late Carl and Cavie Cornish. He grew up in Nashville and was affectionally known to friends and family as “Uncle Sonny.” He then attended the University of Arkansas, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. While studying at the University of Arkansas, Mr. Cornish worked in Baytown during the summers, where he met the love of his life, Joyce Alexander. They were married on Aug. 9, 1958, in Baytown, Texas. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, he began his career in the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. Mr. Cornish was discharged from the military as a captain and began his career with Thiokol Corporation, where he retired after more than 30 years. Mr. Cornish has lived in Marshall, Texas, since 1984, moving from Utah. Mr. and Mrs. Cornish moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, after marrying, then moved to Brigham City, Utah, after Mr. Cornish’s time in the service. He was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church of Marshall. He served on the Board of Trustees, including serving as President of the Board, at East Texas Baptist University. In 2022, East Texas Baptist University awarded Mr. Cornish an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his commitment to the university. Hal Cornish was a longtime member of the Marshall Rotary Club, including serving as president. Mr. Cornish served as the chairman of the Board of Directors for the Marshall Economic Development Corporation. He was also a long-time member of the Marshall Regional Arts Council, a Past President and Charter Member of the local Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, Past District Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America, and served on the Board of Directors of Marshall Festivals, Inc. Mr. Cornish was named Citizen of the Year of Marshall in 2021. Hal’s favorite role, by far, was as “Pappom” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Cornish is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Cornish; his parents, Carl and Cavie Cornish; and his sisters, Louise Hodges and Marie McCrary.
Mr. Cornish is survived by son, Kevin Cornish and wife Joy of Waco, Texas; Grandchildren, Brittany Sutton and husband Cody of Elysian Fields, Amanda Endsley and husband Sean of Waco, Texas, Andrew Cornish and wife Nicole of Athens, Texas, and Cole Cornish of Waco, Texas; great grandchildren, Kinsler, Bexar, Grace, Easton, Rip, and Joseph.
You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com
