Jack W. Cornett

Jack Walton Cornett, 89, passed away on the evening of January 5th, 2015, in Oklahoma City. Jack was born in Oklahoma City on March 26th, 1925, to the late Ed and Lois Cornett. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, several sisters, and most recently his wife of 67 years, Joan, who passed away this last July. He is survived by children, Vicki Turner, Jackie Wagner and Paul Cornett (Laura); grandchildren, Chris Johnson, Courtney Howard (Amanda), Cody Howard, Megan Adams, Kristi Moore, Karri Howard, Barry Wagner (Lisa), Kayla Cornett, Justin Cornett, Allie Turner, Josh Turner; 13 great grandchildren; and special family friend, Renee Tiner. Jack was a lifelong Oklahoman, being the son and grandson of two pioneer men who first came to Indian Territory in the 1870's. Both his father and grandfather participated in the Land Run of 1889, obtaining land in what became Canadian County. Jack grew up working in his father's meat packing plant, Cornett Packing Company; as well as buying cattle at the Oklahoma City Stockyards, and from hundreds of individual cattle producers across Oklahoma. In 1943, Jack joined the United States Navy, and was a World War II veteran, where he proudly served the United States. Jack decided to try his hand in local politics, first being a member of the Oklahoma City Planning Commission, and then in 1977, being elected as an Oklahoma City Councilman in Ward 3, where he served for 24 years; winning six consecutive elections. While a councilman, Jack also served the citizens of Oklahoma City by being a member/Chairman of the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust and the Riverfront Redevelopment Authority. After serving for 24 years as an Oklahoma City Councilman, Jack was elected and served four years as County Commissioner District 2 for Oklahoma County. Jack was involved in so many aspects of the growth and development of the Oklahoma City metro area, and it was clearly evident by his work and his actions, that he truly enjoyed serving his fellow man; Jack was a true and loyal servant to the people of Oklahoma. Jack truly cared for his fellow citizens, whether you were a big shot, or a common man, Jack would take the time to talk to you about your problem, and do whatever he could in his power to help you. In April of 2006, in honor of Jack's work to the people of central Oklahoma, the City of Oklahoma City renamed Grove Park, the "Jack W. Cornett Park". Jack was selected as Citizen of the Year in 1985 by the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. With as many accomplishments in life that Jack had related to his business and/or political career, his greatest accomplishments involved his love that he had for his family and friends. Jack was a man who was truly dedicated to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He might spend all day making business deals, or attending a political function, but then you might see him in his shorts, playing in the mud with his grandchildren, or getting up early to fix pancakes or waffles for those who had spent the night at their house. He loved to have family members close to him, and would always say "better just spend the night" when it came time for his visiting family members to leave. He was a man's man, he knew how to look you in the eye and firmly shake your hand, and there was never any doubt on where he stood on his beliefs or ideals. Jack taught his family to contribute to society, work hard, and to do a good job. In the last few years, it became even clearer to all of us just how completely dedicated and devoted Jack was to his wife Joan, and it was evident that his life and his love revolved around her. Although Jack's health the last few years has not been great, he lived his life to care for and love Joan, doing everything that he could to take care of her needs during her failing health which had occurred the last few years. We should all take a lesson from Jack on how to love our family and friends, he was the ultimate example. Jack loved his Lord, his family and friends, and his country, the United States of America. He will be greatly missed! Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2015 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens.