F. Norman Cornell

F. Norman Cornell, 89, passed on August 23, 2016 in St. George, Utah.  His older siblings born to Pauline Stromness and Thomas Custer Cornell were Afton, Netta, Charles, Paul, and Dean.   Norm grew up in the shadow of the University of Utah where he went to Stewart School K-9.  He then went to East High where shortly before graduation he won the Intermountain AAU Boxing Championship for his weight.  He later graduated from the U of U.

The country was engaged in WWII, and all young men were required to go onto the service.  At age 17, Norm enlisted in the US Navy R. attended radar school and became a petty officer third class.  His first assignment was on the USS Cape Cod with 1200 troops headed for Okinawa.  Norm was always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and never hesitated to share his testimony with his shipmates who circled around him at night to hear about the “Mormons”.

After being released from the Navy at age 19, Norm taught a class for 16-17 year olds.  Two years later he was called to the Norwegian mission where he served for 28 months.  Norman loved the gospel.  Later he was ward clerk and worked in the Hawaiian, Salt Lake, and St. George temples.

Norm was marred to Joy Houston in the Salt Lake Temple by Marion G. Romney, and they had 7 wonderful children.  They divorced 19 years later.  During those years he was a portrait photographer and did portraits of hundreds of children, the Marine generals of the Pacific, three university presidents, George Randolph and Rosalee Hearst, and many other adults.  He was one of the first photographers in Utah to do prints on canvas.

Norm met and married Betty Raymond in 1978.  They served missions on Temple Square and were a part of the Church Missionary Committee where they spoke in over 80 wards in Idaho, Utah, and Arizona.  Norm and Betty loved to dance together and to ski with the family.  They were devoted to one another.  In later years Norm worked in the special education program.

Norm is survived by his wife Betty, his children Thomas Charles, Kenneth Dean (Shanna), Carolyn, Paul Christian, Norman Thomas, Mathew Evan (Debbie), 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Dianna.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chapel Located at 550 E. 700 S., St. George, Utah.  Viewings will Friday evening from 6:00-8:00pm and Saturday morning from 9:30-10:45am at the same location.  Interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of McMillan Mortuary.  Condolences may be shared at mcmillanmortuary.com