Cornelius was born on May 1, 1932 in Newport, AR, son of T.C. and Tyreatha (Dicus) Howell. He married Marion Lucas in Newport in 1955. They were later divorced. He later married Emma “Goodie” Lou Mitchell on May 6, 1974 in Peoria. She preceded him in death on March 21, 2003 in Peoria. He loved his wife with all of his heart.
His parents; two sisters, Catherine Goldman and Gladys Doss; and a stepdaughter, Regina Lindsay, also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his sons, Larry (Jean) Howell of Pine Bluff, AR and Barry Eugene Howell and Glen Dale Howell, both of North Little Rock, AR; daughters, Linda (Leon) Hickman and Rosemary (Calvin) Jones, all of North Little Rock and Teresa Weldy of Peoria; stepdaughters, Mary Elizabeth “Puddin” Campbell of Dallas, TX, Elnora “Sis” Franklin of Peoria and Gloria “Glo L” Lindsay of West Peoria; and a host of grandchildren, step grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Cornelius was very dedicated to his family and others, but could be very mischievous at times.
Cornelius attended Branch High School in Newport, AR. He was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran, serving from December 2, 1952 to November 3, 1954.
He moved to Peoria in 1957 and was employed at Caterpillar, Inc.’s East Peoria facility from 1968 to 1992. He was a member of UAW Local 974.
After his retirement, he served as a crossing guard for School District 150, until the end of the 2008 school year. He had a great love for the students at his crossing.
Cornelius loved to fish; sit in his screened in porch; attend family picnics, family reunions and his high school reunions; and work in his flower garden.
He enjoyed listening to music and collecting tapes and CDs. The Blues was his favorite style of music, B.B. King was his favorite performer and Amazing Grace was his favorite song.
Cornelius was a great father, loved caring for others and meeting his friends and fellow retirees at the McDonald's on Western Avenue.
