Roland Cornelson

1936 - 2024

Roland Cornelson

December 18, 1936 - February 8, 2024

Derby, Kansas - Cornelson, Roland, 87, was born in Chanute, Kansas, where he grew up with his twin brother, Frank and his sister Pattie. He met and married his high school sweetheart, Juanita, in 1956. Shortly after, Rollie and Juanita moved to Wichita, where they resided and raised their two daughters Debbie and Tamie. In Wichita, Rollie worked for Kansas Gas and Electric, Colgate Palmolive and retired from Beech Aircraft after 30 years in 1999. After retirement, Rollie and Juanita moved lakeside to Grove, Oklahoma, where they spent their time golfing, boating, serving at their local church and traveling in their RV together. Rollie was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing regularly, but out of all of his hobbies flying, both for fun and as a private pilot, was his true passion. Recently, Rollie and Juanita moved back to Derby, Kansas where they have spent time gardening, enjoying time with their great-grandchildren, and entertaining their beloved cat, Pilot. Rollie was a 50 year Masonic Lodge member, serving the Haysville Lodge and recently, the Derby Lodge. He was also an active member of the Kansas Leukemia Society, as a two time survivor of Leukemia himself. Preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Ruby Cornelson; twin brother, Frank John Cornelson and sister, Pattie Ann Richardson. Survivors include his wife Juanita; daughters, Debra (Jeff) Keplar, Tamara (Jim) Urso; grandchildren, Kristin (Phillip) Van Court, Katie (Mark) De Simone, Stuart (Suzana) Keplar, Danielle Urso, Stefanie (Andy) Jundt, Alex Urso, Megan (Austin) Jones, Hannah Keplar; 11 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and beloved cat, "Pilot". Memorial service is 4:00 pm Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Cookson Hills Christian Home, 60416 OK-10 Kansas, OK 74347, where both Rollie and Juanita have passionately supported for over 20 years, as well as the Grove Small Animal Hospital, 9621 U.S. Highway 59 N., Grove OK 74344. Rollie will be sorely missed by all those who loved him so dearly. "Blue skies and tailwinds." www.smithfamilymortuaries.com