Jackson “Jack” Cornelius

1928-2022

Jackson “Jack” Cornelius

Jackson “Jack” Cornelius passed away on Dec. 28, 2022, at his home in Belen surrounded by his family.

Jack was born on Nov. 11, 1928, in Clovis, N.M., to Clifford and Eunice Cornelius. He graduated from Clovis High School in 1946.

Out of high school, Jack worked on the family farm before starting his career with the AT&SF Railroad. He started as a laborer on the rip track in the Clovis yard.

In 1951, he met and married Marquita Alexander in Clovis and, in September of that year, they moved to Belen, where Jack became a switchman in the Belen rail yard. In 1955, he became yard master of the Belen yard. Then, in 1969 he became a brakeman and traveled between Belen and Clovis. He spent 44 years enjoying his time on the rails before retiring in December 1990.

Jack had many enjoyments throughout retirement, such as working on his model railroad, wood working, fishing, traveling, refurbishing his 1968 Cub Cadet and, up until his recent illness, bowling with a league in Albuquerque each Tuesday night. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Jack is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Marquita Cornelius; parents, Clifford and Eunice Cornelius; and grandson, Jerome Cornelius.

He is survived by his sons, Kit (Sandra) Cornelius and Mark (Mary) Cornelius; daughter, Lisa (Donal) Gregory. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jamie Polubinski, Mark Cornelius II, Ronald Coker and Kristen (Manuel) Monte; along with seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, with another arriving in February. Jack is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and friends.

Pallbearers are Bill Coker, Ed Cornelius, Brian Cornelius, Donal Gregory, Pat Blewett and Tom Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Cannon, Ronald Coker, Butch Johnson and Gary Baker.

A viewing was held at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel  on Monday, Jan. 2. A funeral service was held at Sierra Vista Baptist Church on Tuesday, Jan. 3, with Pastors Al Keeney and Milford Misener officiating. Interment was held at Terrace Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Baptist Children’s Home in Portales, N.M.

Arrangements were handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.

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