Bob Cornelius (Robert Franklin)

Bob Cornelius (Robert Franklin), born January 14, 1928, in Newcastle, Kentucky, passed from this earth at age 93 in the presence of his loving wife, Alida, on January, 28, 2021 in Edgewater, Florida.

Born to Helen and Carl Cornelius, Bob was their only child and he grew up with an affinity for cars and people. Raised mostly in Louisville, Kentucky, he had a supportive extensive family which included his cousins, Evelyn and Boyd Roberts. He eventually operated his own automotive shops, the last two being Bob's Chevron and Frankfort Avenue Auto. He would tell everyone that he owned "a Service station not a gas station," doing much more than pumping gas. Bob was generous and unfailingly accommodating to customers and provided a work place for many young men and friends.

Bob and Alida Lieber married in 1948. They met at the roller rink and have been skating through life together for 72 plus years. They went boating, ran the business, and learned about real estate together. They enjoyed Saint Leonard Church events, tennis, and living in the Crescent Hill area. In 1994, they moved full time to Edgewater/New Smyrna Beach, Florida, retiring from the winters to play golf, dance at the Elks, and learn bridge. Bob and Alida have had a joy that is rare for a couple in their 90s. It showed in their passion for gardening, flowers, and sports. At Hidden Lakes Golf Course, they both shot a hole in one. (Alida has two.)

He will be remembered for his booming voice that carried a deep resonance. He had a wisdom that was not born of books, but of living and intuition. Bob was honest and ethical and that seemed to create his own good fortune. He could win a bridge hand that no one else would dare try. At 84, he successfully jumped out of an airplane twice. He initiated the adventure, convincing two daughters, five grandchildren, and one grandson-in-law to join him in parachuting.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Carl Cornelius, and his daughter, Teresa Helen, who died as a newborn. He is survived by his anchor, Alida, and his four daughters and their families. Alida M. Cornelius, of Louisville, KY (daughter, Hilary Krishnan), Teresa Voshell (Brad) of NSB, FL, (children Matt Arington, Elizabeth Schneider (Mark), and Brooke Meurlot (Don), Victoria Cornelius (Robert Krebs) of Saint Louis, MO (daughters, Emily, Natalie, and Olivia Krebs), and Shar Magnus (Smokey {James}) of Louisville, KY, ( son, Ben). There are six great-grandchildren, all in NSB: Haley and Riley Arington (twins), Nolan and Alina Schneider (twins), Weston and Dawson Meurlot. He is survived also by Del (John) and Sheila Marstiller, family friends.

He is survived by many enduring friends and neighbors. The family is so very grateful for the support, friendship, and the kindness of all who connected with Bob. Thanks for the caring place of Halifax Hospice for his final week. The family plans a private farewell. Donations can be made in his memory to:

Sacred Heart Parish NSB , FL. [email protected]

OR

Gifts of Love 820 W. Park Ave. Edgewater, Fl, 32132- Food Pantry. 386-423525 Arrangements are through Dudley Funeral Home, NSB, Florida

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier-Journal from Jan. 30 to Feb. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob Cornelius

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5 Entries

Ronnie Roberts

February 9, 2021

I will always remember the first I ever tried water skiing at Kentucky Lake and my Dad was in the boat and was a nervous wreck, Bob convinced my dad that everything was okay. Bob was a kind soul. He became a Father to me and Donnie after my Dad passed away. He was always there for us and our Mother Evelyn. He taught me about how to take care of my own car. I will always treasure all the beautiful memories I have of him and his family. My sincere condolences to the entire family. May He Rest In Peace
He will certainly be missed by all that knew him. Until we meet again Bob

Linda Lay Crowl

February 6, 2021

I remember Bob from my early years when he and my Dad (J. Manuel Lay) were friends. He was always helpful to me when I went to his Chevron station or saw them at Juniper Beach. Bob had a personality that just made you like him immediately. My sympathy to his family.

Jim Blandford

February 4, 2021

Mr. Cornelius was a gentle soul. Always willing to go the extra mile for anyone and everyone. Both my Dad and myself worked for him and he taught me a great deal about taking care of my car. He even helped me with my first car that I bought. Wonderful man and wonderful family. May he rest in Peace and May the Lord bring peace to his friends and family. Thank you Mr. Cornelius.

Geri Everbach Rybacki

February 2, 2021

I'm so very sorry to hear this news. On my childhood visits to KY, I would often see Bob - he had a big smile that could brighten a gloomy day. He and Alida were the next stewards of my parent's home on the Ohio River when Mom & Dad moved to FL - and Bob & Alida moved there next! So we had some parallel paths going. I learned so much about Bob from reading this - and was intrigued that he took up skydiving in his 80s! What a guy! My heartfelt condolences to the whole family and the many people whose lives he touched.

Wendy Everbach Rotanz

February 2, 2021

I remember Mr. Cornelius so fondly in New Smyrna or down by the Ohio River boating around. He and my dad, G.L. were very good friends and I know he´ll be missed by so many.

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