On the morning of April 13, 2023, at the age of  85, Edward F. Cornwell went to be with the Lord and his wife Ailish O. Cornwell (nee Pearson), who preceded him in death April 13, 2018.

He is survived by three children, Mary Blythe (Cornwell) of Fisher, John (Christel) Cornwell of Champaign, and Paul (Vivian) Cornwell of Fort Bragg. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Gream, Tyler (Andrea) Blythe, Sarah DeWitt, Colleen Blythe, Kayla Cornwell,  John Cornwell, and Paul Cornwell. He continues to be survived by great-grandchildren, Kaden, Keegan, Raya, Ryker, Marshall, Scarlett, Roman, and Savannah.

His loving family is extremely proud of his 25+ years of military service in the United States Air Force. He was an avid fisherman, who loved watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their sports.  He also loved the Dallas Cowboys and loved to see them play.  To his grandchildren, he was known as "Poppy" and there was nothing he wouldn't do for them. He was married and devoted to Ailish for 53 years. He met her at an orphanage where she worked in Scotland and bluntly informed her that he was going to marry her. She bluntly told him to "Get lost."  She even stood him up for their first date, but he persisted and won her over, and they ended up being the love of each others' lives.  He was completely devoted to her even after she passed exactly five years ago to the date of his passing. She was IT for him. He loved her completely.

Visitation: 5-8 pm, Monday, April 17, 2023 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, Ill. The family will also receive friends one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., Shiloh, Ill., with Fr. Jim Deiters presiding. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill.

So now we say to you: " Poppy, rest easy with Nana ."