Cainsville, MO: Willis Gene (Willie) Cornelison 74, Cainsville, Mo. passed away Sunday March 19, 2023 at the Liberty, Mo. hospital.
He was born May 5, 1948 in Osceola, Iowa the son of Oliver Harold and Pauline Charlotte (Smiley) Cornelison.
Willie graduated from the Webster City High School in Webster City, Iowa in 1966. He was united in marriage to Penny Diann (Bain) on April 23, 1971 in Bethany, Mo. To this union two sons were born, Adam Wade and Casey Joe. They started their married life in Redding, Iowa, then Allendale, Mo., later on Grant City, Mo. In 1979 they moved to the farm north of Cainsville.
Willie was employed by the Cainsville R-1 School for over 40 years driving a school bus. He met many other drivers at ball games and track meets who became real good friends. They spent many days at Vo-Tech playing card games and marbles. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He loved spending time with his grandsons. He attended church at Ridgeway Assembly of God and loved his church family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Oliver in 1984, his Mother, Pauline in 1995, his father-in-law, Junior in 2000, Mother-in-law, Anna Ruth in 2016 and his son, Casey in 2020, plus many other family members and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Penny of Cainsville; son, Adam (Julie) of Ridgeway, grandsons, Blake and Ethan of Cainsville and Logan of Ridgeway, Mo.; brothers, Earl J (Diane) of Downing, Mo., Harold of Webster City, Iowa, Tom (Katy) of Murray, Iowa and sister, Phyllis Wood of Boone, Iowa. Many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Per his wishes no funeral services are planned. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery, Cainsville. Arrangements under the direction of Bethany Memorial Chapel. Tributes may be left at www.bethanymemorialchapel.com