Gary Lee Cornelison, 77, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, March 10, 2017 at his home.

Born June 24, 1939 in Kirksville, Missouri, Gary was the son of the late David Gurney and Lavella Frances (Heavlin) Cornelison. In 1965 Gary was united in marriage to Carolyn Williams and to this union two daughters were born.

Gary is survived by his two daughters Carri Anne Lane (Don) of Ontario, OH, and Kathi Lee Stafford of Oklahoma City, OK; one sister Genita Kirkpatrick (Ray) of Kirksville, MO, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dallas LaVerne Cornelison; three sisters, Sandra Sue Danner, Margaret Cornelison, Sharon Louise Blodgett, and one niece, Raella Shouf.

Gary received his education in the Kirksville public schools. He spent his life purchasing and working on salvage planes and building planes to fly. Gary was also a WWII and Civil War History buff and loved to travel. He enjoyed traveling to Branson to go to the shows.

Gary was a member of Hamilton Street Baptist Church in Kirksville.

It was Gary's wish to be cremated and a memorial service to honor his life will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, for one hour before the service in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.