Tommy Cornelius

Memorial services for Tommy Cornelius, 88, of Lufkin, formerly of Kingsville, will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Lewis Ivey officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Mr. Cornelius was born October 9, 1937 in Kingsville, Texas to the late Opal Irene (Smith) and Wayne Tooley Cornelius, and died Saturday, October 18, 2025 in Lufkin.

Tommy attended school in Kingsville and graduated from Henrietta King High School in 1957. On October 30, 1959, he married the love of his life, Betty Jane Smith of Bishop, Texas, and they began life together in Kingsville. During this time Tommy was employed as a clerk and later a letter carrier for the US Post Office in Kingsville. After retiring from the Post Office, he was employed by the King Ranch in the Visitors Center as a tour guide enabling him to meet and greet people from all over the world. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in South Texas with his sons and extended family. His other interests included collecting guns and knives and discussing history. Tommy was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church of Kingsville.

Survivors include his wife, Betty (Smith) Cornelius of Lufkin; sons and daughters-in-law, Dwayne and Deidre Cornelius of Corrigan, and Darrell and Mary Cornelius of Kingwood; grandchildren and spouses, Sam and Rena Cornelius of Dallas, Rachel Cornelius of Decatur, Indiana, Richard and Julia Cornelius of El Paso, and Steven Cornelius of Huntsville; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Sue Cornelius of Humble; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude for the loving care Tommy received from the staff of Countryside Senior Living of Lufkin and Hospice in the Pines. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 West Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.