Richard Lee Cornwell

Richard Lee Cornwell (Dick) was born on July 31, 1929, and entered his heavenly home on January 10, 2026. Dick was born in Chicago, IL to Kenneth M. Cornwell and Grace Freiberg Cornwell. He graduated from Chicago Vocational High School, June 1946. Dick served in the U.S. Army from October 1946 to September 1949.

Dick went from Fort Riley, Kansas to Valparaiso University in Indiana and enrolled in the teaching program. He met the love of his life, Judith (Judy) Lams on October 17, 1949. They were married December 22, 1951, over Christmas break, at her parents’ home in Mt. Prospect, IL.

Dick and Judy’s first home was in the University trailer court for returning military veterans until he graduated in May 1954. They were blessed with five lovely daughters from 1953 to 1962.

Dick taught at Peace Lutheran School in Chicago, IL from 1955-1966. The family moved to Denver in 1966, and their daughters were enrolled in Bethlehem Lutheran School, in Lakewood, Colorado. Dick’s career with the U.S. Census Bureau spanned from 1968 to 1989. In his role as a manager Dick recruited several dependable Bethlehem women as part time employees.

As second oldest in his family of origin, Dick outlived his parents and six siblings. He also is preceded in death by his daughter Beth Cornwell Breslin and his grandson Colin Halffield.

He is survived by wife Judy, and daughters, Donna Halffield (Don), Janice Endorf (Glen), Carla Griffin (Pat), Ruth Mastroni (Richard), as well as ten grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

The family is grateful to Ovation Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Dick over the past year. They would also like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the Bethlehem pastoral staff and community for their ongoing support and prayers.

Memorials can be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School or the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) For Children, where Dick was a long-time volunteer.

A celebration of Dick’s life will take place at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2100 Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, CO on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2pm with a reception to follow.