Kenneth (Ken) Charles Cornelius, 77, of Centerville, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2022. Ken was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., on April 20, 1945, to Charles D. and Eleanor F. Cornelius, who preceded him in death.
He attended parochial school in Kalamazoo, was a reservist member of the United States Marine Corp in the mid 1960s, was a graduate of Michigan State University where he received his undergrad, a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Aeronautical Engineering.
He worked for many years for Lockheed Martin helping to develop and refine jet engines. He and his family moved to the Dayton area over thirty years ago where he was hired as an associate professor at Wright State University where he taught engineering and performed research.
He is the recipient of numerous awards and patents and loved all things science and football from the Ohio State University Buckeyes.
He is survived by four siblings: James (Kathy) Cornelius of Indianapolis, Carol Cornelius of Phoenix, Charles (Diane) Cornelius of Kalamazoo, Mich., Cindy Cornelius of Kalamazoo, Mich., his three children Keri (Ken) Gray of Kettering, Kelsey (Matt) Carpenter of Farmington Hills, Mich., Kurtis Cornelius of Centerville, as well as former wife Kay Cornelius of Centerville. Ken also leaves behind a close friend Stephen McPherson and the McPherson Family of Xenia, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan State University, Compass Hospice, or Wright State University.
