Cleo Corder

1930 - 2010

Cleo Neel Corder passed away Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, in Denton. Celebration of life: A visitation and celebration of life for Catherine and Neel will be 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the home of Debbie, 3300 Santa Monica, Denton, Neel's tribute to the "Cocktail Hour." Both will be interred in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at a later date. He was born in Fort Worth on May 22, 1930, to Cleo and Elizabeth Neel Corder. Raised on the south side of Fort Worth, he was the last of his boyhood friends whom he fondly called the "Lowe Street Gang." He joined the Marine Corps at 15, returned home and went to Texas Wesleyan on the GI Bill. His sales career began with French's spices but moved into the cosmetic and perfume industry in the 1950s. He served as president of Cosmetics Club of Texas in the 1980s. The final chapter of his career was as a Realtor in Denton, where he moved in 1997. "See you later, Alligator." He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Catherine; his mother, Elizabeth; and his brother, Gene. Survivors: Daughters, Debbie and Kay; grandchildren, Ashley, Ben and Travis; great-grandsons, Kieran, Kaden and Justin; three nieces; family; and several cousins.