Philip Wayne Cornelius has been called to the Staff of the Supreme Commander. He joins his family: parents, Fred and Eva (Gurtner) Cornelius, of East Dubuque; brothers, Eugene, Frederick and John Cornelius; and sister, Ann Cornelius Brown; his wife of (42) years, Esther Zelie; step-son, Delbert Lassus; and step-daughter, Jeanne LassuesMarden.

Phil was born and raised in East Dubuque, leaving before graduation from high school to join the Navy in 1940 and fight in the Pacific. He was very proud of his service onboard the USS Saratoga (CV-3), was an avid body-builder and a Navy boxing champ, and treasured the secret work he did as a cryptologic technician at the National Security Agency in Washington, DC. Phil retired as a Communications Technician Chief after (20) years of military service. He continued in the Fleet Reserves and his civil service career as a postal carrier for another (10) years in Napa, CA, before retiring to his Mt. Veeder home, there with his wife, Esther. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, loving to drive his Land Rover far and wide. He was also an amateur ham radio operator, keeping in touch with his Navy buddies all over the world, W6KRY was always on the air.

After Esther passed away, Phil returned to Illinois and spent the next (17) years with his good friend from East Dubuque High School days, Marge Beadle, helping out on her farm in Galena. He was deeply saddened when his dear companion passed away in 2013.

Affectionately known as "Phil the Pill" at Bell Tower Retirement Community, he spent most of his last few years in the same building he went to high school in, surrounded by many new friends. Stationed at "his" chair in the hallway, he was a primary fixture, who filled the days with singing, great stories and much laughter. He loved to recount his days of delivering newspapers in his neighborhood, saving up his money to buy his cherished trumpet. During his high school days he was a member of the James Hillard Band, a 12-member big band group, out of Galena. He still polished that trumpet every week.

One of his major highlights of his life was being presented his honorary high school diploma in 2012 at a reunion of all East Dubuque High School graduation classes through 1975. He was very surprised and touched that they would think of him after all those years.

Phil is survived by a step-son, George Lassus, of Buckeye, AZ; and an assortment of step-grand and great-grandchildren.

Phil's family, especially his step-granddaughter, Cherie Collins, of Coronado, CA, wishes to express our deep appreciation to Allen Beadle and his family for taking such good care of Phil for so many years and to the staff and residents of Bell Tower, Manor Care, and Hospice of Dubuque, for their kindness, caring and support. Our deepest love and gratitude goes out to Sharon Sweeney, a true friend and angel in Phil's life...thank you so much for being there for him.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A/M, on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque, where friends may call after 9:30 A/M, on Saturday. Phil will be buried near his parents in the East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

The Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.millerfhed.com