Richard Merle Cornell, 75, Chanute, died Friday, May 11, 2012 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan.

Richard was born in Iola on August 8, 1936, the son of Fred and Mary Weeks Cornell. He graduated from Iola High School in 1954 and received an Associate’s Degree from Allen County Community College in 1956.

Richard served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at White Sands Military Base in New Mexico.

He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Raines in 1962. She preceded him in death in 1992. He married Joyce Marsh on Nov, 4, 1994 at the Grace Episcopal Church in Chanute. She survives.

Richard was past president of the Thayer State Bank. He also owned Dico Oil and Gas for several years. After his retirement he was a consultant for local and regional oil and gas companies.

He was a member of the Chanute Country Club, V.F.W., American Legion and Elks Club. He was president of the Chanute Chamber of Commerce and Men’s Golf Association. He was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church where he was an elder and held several offices with the church and was active in the Dioces.

Richard was an avid KU fan and accomplished golfer. He enjoyed fishing and spending time at his lake house on Grand Lake. Above all else he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Along with his wife Joyce, he is survived by his children, Dr. Kelley Cornell, Boston, Mass., Scott Marsh and his wife, Tracey, Chanute, Elizabeth Liebman, Columbia, Mo., Kent Marsh and his wife, Amy, Gardner, Corey Marsh and his wife, Amanda, Overland Park, and Amanda Caldwell and her husband, Jay, Chanute; grandchildren, Ashley Marsh and Garrett Marsh of Chanute, Sydney Marsh and Sophie Marsh of Gardner, Mailyn Marsh and Irelyn Marsh of Overland Park, and Chloe Caldwell, Chandler Hottenstein and Kody Kuhn, all of Chanute; and two sisters, Mary Anna Haney and Virginia Warren, both of Iola.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 16 at the Grace Episcopal Church in Chanute.

The family will receive this evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel.

Memorials in his name may be made to Cherry Street Youth Center or Grace Episcopal Church and may be left with the funeral home.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com