Melvin Duane Cornwell

     Melvin Duane Cornwell, 83 of Spencer, IA passed away Monday, Jan.2 @the Lakeside Care Center in Emmetsburg, IA.  He was born in rural Gillett Grove, Iowa on Jan 22, 1939.  Melvin was the 4^th child of 6^th born to Chester and Sylvia (Moore) Cornwell. He graduated from Gillett Grove High school in the class of 1956.  He then served with the Iowa National Guard for 6 years.

      He met his wife, Karen West, at the roller-skating rink in Arnolds Park, Iowa and they were united in marriage on Sept. 2, 1967 at Merrill, Iowa.  From this union two children were born, Mark Cornwell and Lynda Cornwell.   All of his life Mel farmed east of Gillett Grove and took great pride in his work. He was especially proud that his son, Mark came to farm with him. Mel was a hardworking man, who loved his family deeply and cherished the time he spent with them.  When asked if he had any hobbies, he replied “Farming”.  He drove a South Clay school bus and loved seeing all the kids.

     After retiring in 2011 and moving to Spencer, he especially enjoyed his coffee time every morning with his friends at Sisters Mainstreet Cafe and Hy Vee.  He was a loyal member of Community Methodist Church; Gillett Grove and he valued his faith.  He served on the Methodist Church Board, South Clay School Board and on the board of the Farm Credit Association.  Mel and Karen enjoyed dancing to Rock and Roll at the Iowa Great Lakes.

     He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Sylvia, Father and Mother in laws Fletcher and Wilma West, Brother Gordon Cornwell, in Laws: Don Hurley, Gwen Cornwell, niece Cindy Kassel, great niece & nephew Lacey and Luke Rouse and beloved nephew, Jerry Johnson.

     Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Karen, Son Mark and Tonya Cornwell of Dickens, grandchildren Kayla Cornwell (Kelbey Isack) and Jenna Cornwell, Brookings SD daughter: Lynda Cornwell, Spencer, grandchildren Jordan Cornwell and Jack Winburn of Sioux Falls.  Great grandson Noah Cornwell, Sioux Falls. Sisters:  Ann Hurley, Emmetsburg, Marilyn Price, Tulsa, OK, Cheryl Coryea (Richard Devlin) Rochester, MN Brother, Lowell Cornwell, Ft. Dodge, IA.  Brother and Sister-in-law Gail and Jennifer West, Miami, Florida.  Many nieces and nephews.

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