Dr. William Daniel Cornelius Jr., 88, of Markham, Texas, died August 26, 2009, at his residence. He was born July 25, 1921, in Markham to Will and Mary Ethel Cornelius.
Daniel grew up living a life of ranching. He received his college education at Texas A&M University, but his education was interrupted when he volunteered to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. He returned to Texas A&M after his military service and completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1947. He then returned to Markham where he worked with his father, brothers, and sister in their family ranching business. In later years, after the death of his father, the family ranching operation was divided among the siblings, and he developed what is now the Cornelius Cattle Company, Ltd., which is headquartered in Markham.
Daniel served as President of the Pan American Zebu Association. He received the Outstanding Rancher of Matagorda County Award and the Conservation Rancher Award in 1984. Daniel was a Life Member of the Sons of The Republic of Texas.
Doc had a great interest in mules, draft horses, donkeys, trains, and cattle. His favorite breed of cattle was the Zebu which he loved to promote. He enjoyed conversations with his brothers and friends about days gone by, and he also loved to debate with those who would take on the challenge. He was innovative and resourceful, doing things the "Daniel Cornelius Way."
Survivors include his son Bill Cornelius and three daughters: Camille Green and husband Allen, Danette Poux and husband Jim, and Danelle Cornelius. He is also survived by two brothers, Simon Cornelius and his wife Florine of Victoria, and Leonard Cornelius and his wife Betty Lou of Wadsworth and sister-in-law Alice Tlucek of El Campo. He has three granddaughters, Kathryn and Annie Cornelius and Emily Poux. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Julia Lydia Chovanec Cornelius, sister Annie Belle Cornelius Cobb, and granddaughters, Lisa and Julie Warn.
Bill, Camille, Danette, and Danelle wish to express their gratitude to JoAnn Garibay of Victoria, Texas, who so patiently and lovingly helped care for their father at his home.
Dr. Cornelius was a member of St. Roberts Catholic Church in Markham. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 PM Sunday, August 30, 2009, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas, and the Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM Monday at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City, Texas, with his nephew, Rev. Paul Chovanec, and Rev. Samuel Appiasi officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck, Texas.
Pallbearers will be: Louis Kopnicky, Mike Buffaloe, Gary Damuth, Gary Green, Mack McLeod, and Jake McLeod.
Honorary pallbearers are: Voss McCrosky, Dr. Jim Davant, and Dr. Warren Criswell.
Memorials may be made to St. Roberts Catholic Church, C/O St. Peter's Church, P.O. Box 395, Blessing, Texas, 77419.