David Ray Cornelius

David Ray Cornelius, age 63, a resident of Carol Stream, IL, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026. He was born May 9, 1962 in Noblesville, IN to Omer & Janet Cornelius.

At the age of seven, David and his family moved to Mulberry Grove, IL where he spent his youth. After graduating from high school he moved up to Addison, IL to start his job as a drill rig technician for Testing Service Corporation (TSC). During his time working for TSC he met Jean DuBose, and soon after they were married on September 24th, 1988. After marriage, David and Jean spent their time working, traveling, and spending time with their nieces and nephews. During this time, they decided they wanted children, but could not conceive their own. Therefore they turned to adoption, where they traveled to Champaign, IL and adopted Robert Cornelius in 1999, followed by a trip to China for Olivia Cornelius in 2005. Following the adoption of his children, he spent his time grilling, camping, fishing, attending church services, and spending time with his family. As his children got older, he was blessed with a grandson, August (Olivia and Connors son) in 2024 which he absolutely adored. With the expectation of another grandson in 2026. Unfortunately in the following year 2025, he was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma (stage four skin cancer). Surrounded by his family, David succumbed to his illness.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 38 years, Jean; his children Robert & Olivia Cornelius(Connor); his grandson August Ray Cornelius-Javier; his brother Rick (Jane) Cornelius; his sister-in-law Brenda (Matt) Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his mother Janet Sherer, father Omer, brother Larry, his niece Samantha Cornelius.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 565 Randy Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188 where a funeral service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027