Richard J. “Grandpa” Cornelison, 94, of Topeka / Meriden, died Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at home.

He was born October 15, 1929 in the Bloomfield Community in Jefferson County the son of Wilbert Richard and Anna Jeanette Crowley Cornelison.

He attended first through eighth grades at the Unity Schools and was a 1946 graduate of Rock Creek High School. Working many jobs before the 1951 flood, he worked hauling milk from farmers into Topeka and driving a truck for John Morrell in Topeka. Rich started work at the Goodyear Tire Co. in Topeka, retiring in 1984 after 33 years. He served as Truck Driver for Jerry Taliferro Trucking in Holton from 1984 to 2000. He then started Circle C Farm and Trucking from 1992 to 2008. “Grandpa” Rich enjoyed his trucks, tractors and his Brahma Cattle.

He married Lois Jean Petrie on October 8, 1949, they divorced in 1988. Survivors include his partner, whom he called his wife, Judy Ann “Jude” Schrick Cody, of the home, one son, Larry Cornelison, Sr, Meriden, Three daughters, Debbie Miller, Meriden, Diana Cornelison, Topeka, Darla (Tim) Dooley, Meriden, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Keith Cornelison, a great-grandson, Dakota Cornelison, two brothers, William Cornelison and Jerry Cornelison.

A Graveside Service will be 11:30 AM, Monday, June 3, 2024 at Meriden Cemetery. Visitation at 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Monday, June 3, 2024 at Meriden United Methodist Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to Holton Community Hospice or to Soldier Township Fire Department in care of Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, 66066. barnettfamilyfh.com