Charles Leonard Cornick

Charles Leonard Cornick, age 84, of St. James, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 8, 2025. He was born on February 9, 1941, in St. James, Missouri, to the late Leonard and Mary Ann (Hughes) Cornick.
On June 7, 1959, Charles was united in marriage to Miss Helen Henderson, and together they shared 65 years of love and companionship, raising four children.
Charles proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, and his service to others did not stop there. He worked for 32 years with the James Foundation, living and working at the beautiful Meramec Springs. He had always dreamed of such a job after a conversation with a park worker while on a camping trip in Tennessee. That dream became a reality when he was offered a similar position upon returning home to St. James. A longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. James, Charles was an active member and 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.
After retiring, Charles enjoyed building a small workshop where he could tinker and create intricate birdhouses that were as beautiful as they were functional. A true craftsman, his birdhouses were so beautifully crafted that no one wanted to place them outdoors.
In his free time, Charles loved hunting, fishing, and, most importantly, spending time with his family. His love for them was immeasurable, and he cherished every moment spent in their company.
Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Cornick, of the home; children Lori Rivers and husband Steve, Brian Cornick and wife Diana, Karen Smith, and Dana Marcee and husband David, all of St. James, MO; sisters Sharon Fleeman of Morrisville, MO, and Pat Morris of Belleville, IL; grandchildren Jerod Rivers, Ben Rivers, Mason Rivers, Lyndsey Cornick, Kelly Cornick, Heather Van Saase, Taylor Davis, Kaitlyn Cunningham, and Justin Marcee; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A funeral Mass for Charles will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. James, Missouri, with burial and full military honors to follow at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with prayer service from 5PM to 5:15PM at the James & Gahr Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project. Cards are available at all James & Gahr locations.
Charles will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of love, devotion, and craftsmanship will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.