Hal Cornum

Hal Ronald Cornum, age 79, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, October 5, 2025, at his home in Carlsbad, New Mexico. He previously was a resident of Sanford, Colorado.
He was born on October 7, 1945, in Alamosa, Colorado to D. Duwayne Cornum and Voris (Miller) Cornum. The fourth of seven children, Hal was raised in Sanford, where he developed a deep love for his family, faith, and community. There he attended school and was known for both his athletic and academic ability. His love of sports and determination will be remembered by many of the Sanford Indian fans.
Hal learned many good work ethnics while working with his father on numerous road construction jobs during the summers in New Mexico. He had a talent of creativity and no job was ever too big for him to remodel or build. He really was a "Jack of All Trades". Many hours of patience was spent on his cherished collection of model cars.
After high school graduation he choose to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In January 1965 he left to serve in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Due to the extreme cold weather and his health conditions; he was transferred to the Bakersfield, California, Mission. This included Mesa, Arizona, where he was able to visit his Miller grandparents on occasion.
Following his mission and love for Arizona; Hal decided to locate to Phoenix, AZ. While living there he met his wife, Mary Pope, and was married in the Mesa Temple, on July 7, 1972. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Phoenix, AZ, Sanford, CO, Norman, OK; and finally settling in Carlsbad, NM, to be close to some of their children.
Hal was a friend magnet, because of his caring and likeable personality. He enjoyed sports, playing or watching; he was a true Orange & Blue Bronco fan! He had a memory and could tell you scores and plays from way back into high school days. He always had a love for motorcycles and cars. In his more mature years he would lead a group of motorcyclists on trips around the country. They were given the name of "Hal's Angels".
Hal has been a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has served faithfully in many callings; such as Elders President, Sunday School President, Stake Athletic Director of many Stakes, and a dedicated Home Teacher. The Gospel has been an important part of their lives; as they sent 3 sons on LDS missions.
Hal is survived by his loving wife Mary; his 5 children: Tysen (Jessica) of Phoenix, AZ; Burke (Nicky) of Carlsbad, NM; Natalie Tenney of Castlerock, CO; Trenton (Kacey) of Carlsbad, NM; and Carson (Hailey) of Grand Junction, CO; his 22 grandchildren: Mason and Rylie Manross; Talen, Taj, Taven, Tait, Tatiana, and Tauriel Cornum; Nathan, Bryce, Abby, Gracie, McKay, and Leah Tenney; Tanner, Brooklyn, Ky, and Zach Cornum; Chloe and Carter Cornum, Laylani and Wren Bessette; his 3 siblings: Tennis (Donna) Cornum of Burleson, TX; Myrna (Dennis) Moeller of Antonito, CO; and Marilee (Pat) Vannoy of Sanford, CO; and brother in-law: Jack Gray of La Jara, CO; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Duwayne and Voris Cornum; his sisters and brother in-laws: Sherry and Bob Scheibe, Renie and Dallas Norton, and Debbie Gray; his grandson, Taj Cornum in 2021; his niece, Myla Cornum Jordan; his nephews, Kevin Scheibe, Brett McDaniel, and Terrill Norton.
The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all who shared their love, friendship, and service throughout Hal's life. Funeral services will be held on Saturday October 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sanford LDS church. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at the Sanford Cemetery.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the local arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes, and words of comfort for Hal's family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com