J Paul Cornelius, October 12, 1929 — February 22, 2019

J Paul (Jigger) Cornelius, 89, departed this life surrounded by his family on February 22, 2019 at Jack C. Montgomery VA Hospital in Muskogee, OK. He was born on October 12, 1929 in Cookietown, OK to William A. and Elloda Bruner Cornelius. Paul was the youngest of six boys and one girl.

Paul moved to Marlow, OK in August 1930 where he and his five brothers all attended school. After high school, he entered the US Army in April 1948, where he served 25 years. He was medically retired in January of 1973.

Paul served in the Korean War and Vietnam. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge; Purple Heart; Bronze Star Medal for Valor; Bronze Star Medal for Service; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal; Commendation Medal; and numerous other medals and ribbons. Paul acquired the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 and spent his last 15 years of service in Military Intelligence.

After retiring from the military, Paul and his family moved to Duncan, OK. He then attended USAO in Chickasha where he graduated Cum Laude in 1976 with a degree in Psychology. He later attended the University of Oklahoma graduate school, majoring in Psychometry.

In 1982, Paul went to work at Ft. Sill as a civilian and was an intelligence specialist. He retired from his civilian position in November 1991.

Paul married Helen Lee McGary on September 2, 1960 in Windsheim, Germany. They were blessed in this union with three sons and one daughter. Paul and Lee were married 58 years.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elloda Cornelius, Marlow, OK; five brothers, Arvin Cornelius, Huntington Beach, CA; L.D. (Bud) Cornelius, Parker, AZ; Wayne Cornelius, Marlow, OK; Manuel Cornelius, OKC, OK; and John Cornelius, Duncan, OK; one sister, Wilma Cornelius and one son Mark Andrew Cornelius. Paul is survived by his wife, Helen Lee McGary Cornelius of the home; a son John Christopher, OKC, OK; a son Matthew Kelly, Vian, OK; and a daughter, Katherine Lee (Kitty) Cornelius, Mustang, OK; five grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives. A graveside memorial service will be held at Ft.

Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK with full military honors on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of J Paul Cornelius please visit our Sympathy Store.

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