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David Cornell Obituary
He was born Jan. 7, 1920, in Los Angeles, Calif., a son of the late Ronald P. and Walton (Brockus) Cornell.
Following seminary and a brief pastorate, he joined the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade in Fort Washington, Pa., as its North American general director. He and wife Gwen spent 1959 going around the world visiting missionary colleagues. After 25 years with that mission society, he spent the 1970s as a travelling evangelist. In 1979, he became the pastor of York Street Baptist Church where he served joyfully until his retirement in 1991. He thoroughly loved being "Pastor Dave" to the people of the congregation and so loved living in York.
He was a jack of all trades and enjoyed woodworking, building much of his home himself.
He leaves his wife of 67 years, Gwendolyn I. (Smith) Cornell; four sons, David L. Cornell Jr., and his wife, Susan, of Blairstown, N.J.; Roger Cornell, and his wife, Karen, of Nederland, Colo.; Timothy Cornell, and his wife, Jackie, of Jackson, N.J.; and Larry Cornell, and his wife, Kathy, of Exeter, R.I.; three daughters, Sheryl-Lynn Cornell, and her husband, Bob Cress, of Ignacio, Colo.; Rosemary Cornell, and her husband, Rob Kay, of Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and Wendy Fountain, and her husband, David, of Cape Neddick; two brothers, Johnny Cornell and Harold Cornell; four sisters, Rebecca Paulsen; Leota Hale; Leona Cornell, and Virginia Smithers; and nine grandchildren, Emilie, Laurie, Bryce, Nicholas, Dianna, Spencer, Kelly, Sharon and Lane.
A brother, Ronald Cornell, predeceased him.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the York Street Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the York Street Baptist Church, 61 York St., York, ME 03909. Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Road, York, is directing arrangements. Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Cornell
Evan Grahn
February 8, 2010
Dear Gwen and family, It's been good to have had contact with Wendy and Rosemary these days. We want to express our condolences to you all as a family, but especially to Gwen. We spent 18 months at headquarters when we were candidates back in 1961-62. We have many wonderful memories of our time there. David was good at articulating and he was a good leader and a good speaker too. We remember when he spoke at Bethany Fellowship also. Evan and Bea Grahn
Paul Breton
February 6, 2010
Dear Cornell family,
Pastor Dave was such an encouragement to me and all the saints in the North Berwick church, while he served as our interim pastor. I pray the certainty of heaven and the blessed hope of our Lord's return will give you comfort and peace.
In deepest sympathy,
Elwin Palmer
January 28, 2010
Dear Gwen and Family,
I can't begin to share even the funniest, most serious, nor most precious memories of the 20+ years of Dave as a co-worker in the vision of sharing the Gospel to the ends of the earth. I always admired his courage in standing for what he believed was the right course even when it was contrary to those who had a more authoritative office than he. I admired this trait above all the other admirable gifts and traits he possessed: Hard worker; Generous spirit; Dogged determination not to give in to crippling arthritis--rather, he "burned it out" and kept going. Now he rests from his labors and his reward awaits him: ''Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I (Jesus) will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." May each member of your family enter into the same joy!
Be assured of my prayers for your entire family (and especially your mother) as you meet together on Feb.6th.
In Him we love,
Elwin
Elwin Palmer
January 28, 2010
Dear Gwen and Family,
I can't begin to share even the funniest, most serious, nor most precious memories of the 20+ years of Dave as a co-worker in the vision of sharing the Gospel to the ends of the earth. I always admired his courage in standing for what he believed was the right course even when it was contrary to those who had a more authoritative office than he. I admired this trait above all the other admirable gifts and traits he possessed: Hard worker; Generous spirit; Dogged determination not to give in to crippling arthritis--rather, he "burned it out" and kept going. Now he rests from his labors and his reward awaits him: ''Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I (Jesus) will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." May each member of your family enter into the same joy!
Be assured of my prayers for your entire family (and especially your mother) as you meet together on Feb.6th.
In Him we love,
Elwin
Elwin Palmer
January 28, 2010
Dear Gwen and Family,
I can't begin to share even the funniest, most serious, nor most precious memories of the 20+ years of Dave as a co-worker in the vision of sharing the Gospel to the ends of the earth. I always admired his courage in standing for what he believed was the right course even when it was contrary to those who had a more authoritative office than he. I admired this trait above all the other admirable gifts and traits he possessed: Hard worker; Generous spirit; Dogged determination not to give in to crippling arthritis--rather, he "burned it out" and kept going. Now he rests from his labors and his reward awaits him: "Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I (Jesus) will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." May each member of your family enter into the same joy!
Be assured of my prayers for your entire family (and especially your mother) as you meet together on Feb.6th.
In Him we love,
Elwin
Jacqueline Kruger
January 22, 2010
Dear Gwen and family,
You would remember me(and Duane)from both candidate days at WEC headquarters and later, Gwen. Even though we've had few opportunities in recent years to keep in touch, there is this strong bond in Christ. My own loss of Duane nearly 15 years ago gives me some experience to say, "My heart goes out to you." I thank God for your family who attentively looks after you and that is such a blessing. The mystery of heaven leaves us wondering how the Lord welcomes His own, and then - how are they occupied? One day we will know. In the meantime we rejoice in Dave's joining that blood-purchased joyous group! God bless you, Gwen. With very much love, Jackie Olson Kruger
Bill Johnston
January 22, 2010
Dear Gwen and Family:
My name is Bill Johnston and I came to Camp Hill in Oct. '54 and left for Trinidad in Dec. '55. With my wife, Evelyn and two children, we lived in the Long Dorm. I remember Dave as pleasant and always good for a laugh. He seemed to be involved in many things and was on the road a lot, so he was always in a hurry. He loved the work and he also loved his family even though he never had enough hours in the day. You, Gwen, showed a lot of patience and both of you have always stood out in my mind as people of faith and courage. May the God that he served so well comfort and bless each of you in the days ahead.
Bill Johnston
Joann Young
January 17, 2010
Dear Gwen, I learned of Dave's homegoing through Martyn and Sharon. I send my deep sympathies to you. You and Dave had a wonderful long life together - he'll be greatly missed.
I remember first meeting you and at Dave US hq and admiring you both for the way you brought up your family in the confines of Camp Hill. Later Dave came to visit us in the Arab Emirates, he blew in and out like a dynamo - visiting, filming and interested in all that was going on. Lastly, our joy knew no bounds when we learned Martyn, after his conversion, had ended up with Dave Cornell as his pastor! What a happiness for us!
Remebering you with much love, Joann Young
Carole Gregory Sullivan
January 16, 2010
Dear Gwen, how lucky we are to have enjoyed Dave's love of the Lord. How wonderful a man he was. May you know that you are prayed for. God is good. His love for us is such a blessing. In Christ
Karen Odor
January 14, 2010
Dear Wendy,
I have wondeful memories of spending time with your dad and mom on Cider Hill Road. I loved that he prayed daily for one of his children, one for everyday of the week. It was an honor to work for them.
It will be wonderful to see him again, whole, healthy, and laughing. I can only imagine that he is rejoicing in the presence of Christ right now.
Praying for your mom, you and your brothers and sisters.
Cynthia van Rossum
January 14, 2010
Dear Aunt Gwen and all my cousins:
It is with geat sadness that we heard of Uncle Dave's passing. Even though we have lived a lot of miles apart for years, you feel so close in heart.
We have had many good times over the years and so many warm memories. Uncle Dave loved his Lord and served him with all his might. Now he has the incredible opportunity to be with him, standing tall and pain free.
We love all of you and wish we could be there with you during this time of loss. We hold you close in our hearts and prayers.
Love you,
Cynthia
Megan (Gove) Ong
January 14, 2010
Dear Gwen & Wendy,
Praying the comfort of our Lord and Savior will keep you today and tomorrow and be seen in the care and concern of friends and family. Pastor Cornell leaves a far-reaching legacy. He was a great shepherd/teacher at York Street. I have tremendous gratitude for the grace-filled teaching he poured into my life. May God give you strength and supply for all your needs. You are both very dear to my heart,
Cindy Winden
January 14, 2010
Gwen
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I counted it an honor to work for you and Dave for five years. I know this is a hard time for you but also know that you and Dave will be together again and that you will take comfort in that knowledge.
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