John Dean Cornell

John Dean Cornell of Waco, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 4th, 2026 at the age of 71 years. John was born August 19, 1954 to Dean and Marlene (Cook) Cornell as their first son and second child on the family farm in Auburn, Indiana. John learned at an early age about the Christian faith through the tutelage of his parents and aunts and uncles. John’s strong faith and tenacity to grow in his faith continued throughout his life.

He worked as a counselor at Stevenson Primary School in Alvin, Texas for 33 years. During that time, he met and married his wife, Susan, and they started their family with their two children, Smith and Jillian.

John spent the next years coaching his kids’ many sports teams, serving as a deacon at South Park Baptist church, leading children’s church and Sunday School,singing in the choir, and of course, performing as The Great Cornelli Magician. He also took many road trips with his wife and kids to visit his parents, brother, sisters, and their families for Christmas and summer breaks. He enjoyed playing cards and other games with his family, tackling a good jigsaw puzzle, and in his younger years, skiing, hiking, and woodworking.

In his retirement years, John and Susan traveled the country in their RV and took several international trips as well. During that time he also took on one of his favorite roles in his life - Papa to his five wonderful grandchildren.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and follower of Jesus.

John is survived by his loving wife, Susan, his two children, Smith (Genny), and Jillian (Aron), his five grandchildren, Chyenne, Sophia, Toby, Zane, and Taylor Cornell, his three siblings, Deanna (Ken) Smith, Katy (Gary) Fluitt, and Dave (Deb) Cornell. He is also survived by many loving in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Marlene Cornell, Mother in-law, Anita Newberry and his foster sister Betty Grawcock.

A memorial service will take place at First Woodway Baptist Church at 101 Ritchie Road on June 13th at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the First Woodway Benevolence fund.