Earl Cornell Obituary – Palmdale, CA

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Earl Cornell, who was born on May 31, 1934, in Parsons, Kansas, passed away at the age of 90 in Palmdale on January 20, 2025, following a short illness. Having spent the majority of his life in Antelope Valley, Earl was a beloved member of the community. He began his career at Safeway while still in high school and soon after joined the U.S. Air Force. Before his deployment to North Africa, he wed his beloved Mary Carolyn Bruner.

After serving in the military, Earl transitioned to a civilian role at Edwards Air Force Base, where he eventually retired as a shop manager after four decades of dedicated service. Earl and Carol settled in their Palmdale home in 1963, a nurturing environment where they raised their two children. A man of many skills, Earl dedicated himself to numerous home improvement projects.

Throughout his life, Earl was deeply involved in his community, serving as the treasurer for the American Federation of Government Employees, a Boy Scouts of America scoutmaster, and a church maintenance worker. He and his wife Carol cherished traveling, from scenic road trips to luxurious cruises. Earl was a man who loved to share stories of past times, always valuing the moments spent with loved ones.

Earl’s legacy is carried on by his wife, Carol; his son, Terry Dean Cornell and his wife Alice; and his daughter, Anna Christina Cornell-Pape and her husband Eric. He was predeceased by his parents, Eldred and Alpha Chastain Cornell, and his three brothers. Earl leaves behind a vast circle of extended family and friends who will miss him greatly. A memorial service to honor Earl’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, at St. Stephen’s of the Valley Lutheran Church in Palmdale.