Donald (Don) Owen Cornwell

Donald (Don) Owen Cornwell, 75, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2023, at the Community Living Center at the Veterans Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. A visitation will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. where the family will greet visitors. A service will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 12:00 p.m., also at the funeral home with burial to follow at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
Don was born on April 22, 1948, in Riverside, California, to Donald and Dorothy Cornwell. As a young man, he had a passion for dirt bikes and engines, even installing a new engine into a Corvette. Don graduated from Ankeny High School in 1966 and went on to college in Marshalltown, Iowa, before volunteering for the United States Army. He proudly served from 1968 to 1970 as a decorated Huey pilot during one tour of Vietnam, which he considered one of his proudest accomplishments outside of his family.

After his military service, Don met the love of his life, Katherine (Kathy) Glass, and they married on November 17, 1973. They resided in Adel, Iowa, where Don transitioned from being a bulldozer and RV mechanic to farming in Dallas County. Eventually, he became a Journeyman Electrician and worked for Glass & Sons Electric until his retirement.

Don had a talent for gardening and took great pride in his gardens, growing a wide variety of vegetables. He shared his bountiful produce with friends and family. Don also enjoyed woodworking, creating projects for his loved ones. He was a devoted fan of the Cubs, both Iowa and Chicago teams, and spent many hours at the ballpark cheering them on. Don's love for Harley Davidsons and his buggy led him to take numerous trips around the neighborhood, checking on his neighbors and fields.

Attending his three children’s activities and volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America was another passion of Don's. Through weekly meetings and camping trips, he formed lifelong friendships. Don and Kathy had a love of traveling which their children all share as adults. Most summers they packed up their kids and went on a lengthy vacation exploring the United States. When they were empty nesters, they continued to travel and explore. Some of their favorite times were spent with their youngest son, Nevin & Ashley, and their friends at whatever National Park they were working. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon was a very special place for Don, Kathy and Nevin. Don was also an avid bird watcher and maintained a variety of bird feeders and bird food to attract them. Sunday dinners with his family held a special place in his heart, providing an opportunity to catch up, enjoy good food, and share stories and wisdom. Being a papa to his two grandchildren, McKinley and Owen, brought immense joy and laughter to his world.

Left behind to cherish his memory and share humorous Don stories are his wife of nearly 50 years, Kathy, and their children: daughter Stacy Cornwell (Tim Norris), son Jay (Lacey) Cornwell and their children, McKinley and Owen Cornwell, and his son Nevin Cornwell (Ashley Marciano). He is also survived by his brother Dale (Charla) Cornwell and his sister Joyce (Jeff) Brown, as well as his faithful canine companion, Maxine. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Dorothy Cornwell.

We would like to thank the staff at the Veteran’s Hospital and Community Living Center for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Animal Rescue League.

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