Henry “Hank” Morrison Cornet, 78, passed away September 11, 2019. He was born November 16, 1940 in Peoria, Illinois to Marion G. and Marian M. Cornet. He married Kathleen Taylor September 5, 1964 at First Christian Church in San Bernardino, California.
Hank studied mechanical engineering at Bradley University in Peoria, but left to work for Little Giant in Peoria before completing his studies. He fled the cold and snow and went to California and worked for Lockheed. He met Kathleen and had their first two sons. He began work with Scholle Corporation in Irvine, California as a design draftsman and began an education in business, which led to the beginning of his career in marketing. In 1970, he accepted a promotion as marketing director at Scholle, which transferred him and his young family to Chicago, where they had two more sons.
An outdoorsman all of his life, he coordinated outdoor activities for the local Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities. Hank and his sons often were camping, hiking, canoeing with not only the scout troop, but as a family. Canoe trips to the Current River became an annual event. He joined the Knights of Columbus and over the years became a Fourth-Degree Honorary Life Member.
Hank retired in 1993 and with his wife moved to Salem. He was active in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent DePaul Society and the local food pantry. He also became a Master Naturalist (Meramec Chapter).
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, Salem; sons, Douglas (Lisa) Cornet, Charlottesville, Virginia; Erik (Christy) Cornet, Austin, Texas; Jac (Teri) Cornet, Chicago Heights, Illinois; and Patrick (Jamie) Cornet of Round Lake, Illinois; five grandchildren, Nicholas Cornet, Charlottesville; Skilar and Jaclyn Cornet, Chicago Heights; and Katelin and Alexander Cornet, Round Lake; a niece, Martha (Charles) Bergien, Lonay, Switzerland; and a nephew, David (Christine) Pugh, Fort Worth, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Pugh and her husband Tom.
Cremation rites were accorded by Wilson Mortuary. A funeral Mass was held September 16, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salem.