Clayton “Charlie” Cornelius

Clayton "Charlie" Cornelius, age 86, Raymond, died Friday, April 28, 2023.

Click to view Charlie's folder.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the Furness Funeral Home of Clark, SD and one hour prior to the service. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 2:00PM at the Furness Funeral Home of Clark, SD with burial to follow at the Prairie Valley Cemetery in Raymond, SD. A time of rememberance and refreshments will be held after burial at the Raymond Legion Hall.

Charlie's service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at the time of service on the Furness Funeral Home Facebook page.

Clayton Charles Cornelius was born June 13, 1936 to parents Otto Reinhart and Emma (Weidemann) Cornelius at the Mable Stacey home in Clark, SD. He grew up on the family farm alongside a brother and three sisters. He attended Logan School all twelve years graduating from Logan High School in 1954. "Charlie," as he became known, was too old for the draft after graduating so he remained on the farm to farm with his parents.

While reffing a girls basketball game in Logan, he called the fifth foul on a cute young gal causing her to foul out of the game. That gal was Carla Cooper who later became his wife on July 7, 1963 at the Raymond Presbyterian Church. They started their married lives in Logan Township and then in 1968, moved to their current farm site where his parents had lived. They welcomed two children to their family, Gregory and Cheryl and in 1980, they built a new house at the residence.

Charlie was a member of the Logan Township Board, a former member of the local softball association and Clark Saddle and Bridle Club, and a member of the Clark County Pro Pheasants. In his younger years, he played baseball and then later played and umpired softball. Charlie was an avid bowler, rarely missing a night of bowling. He loved hunting pheasants and deer, going 25 straight years to the Black Hills West River deer hunting. The family was very active in horse shows, rodeos, and trail rides. He farmed and raised cattle and registered quarter horses. Charlie loved spending time with family, was very proud of his grandchildren-their accomplishments and family, and enjoyed visiting with everyone.

He is survived by his wife, Carla Cornelius of Raymond, children Gregory (Jeanette) Cornelius of Forestburg, and Cheryl (Terry) Severson of Raymond, five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren, six nieces and three nephews.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Dorothea (Frank) Rousell, Elsie (Truman) Hagen, a brother in infancy, Agnes (Keith) Gilbert and Russ (Myrtle) Cornelius.

Services are with Furness Funeral Home of Clark where there is an online registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com.