Virgil Cornelius, 83, Cleveland Indians fan, enjoyed country music

He was born on April 17, 1920 in Kites, Kentucky. He had lived in Vermilion and Ocala, Florida.

He was a coal miner in Pineville, Kentucky. He served in the United States Army during World War II in Casablanca, North Africa and Marseilles, France. He returned to Pineville as night police chief. He worked for Ford Motor in Detroit, Michigan, then Lorain Ford Plant as a supervisor. He was a member of the Emanuel Church of Ocala, Florida, the VFW, Vermilion, and the Masonic Lodge of Ocala, Florida. He was a Cleveland Indians fan, enjoyed country and gospel music, attending country music shows, photography, and walking.

Survivors include his wife, Louise (nee Freeman) Cornelius, to whom he was married 56 years, son Robert Cornelius of Vermilion, daughter Lilia and son Jack of Marseilles, Franc, brother Creed Cornelius of Pineville, Kentucky, a sister, Ina Asher of Dearborn, Michigan, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Matt and Lilia (nee Lamb) Cornelius, brothers: Hubert, Herman, Roy, and Delbert.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 28, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion. The Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors.

Contributions may be made to the Vermilion Veterans Council, c/o Edward Vandersluis, 1702 Portside Drive, Vermilion, Ohio 44089.