Dial Cornwell, Jr.

Beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Dial Shelton Cornwell, Jr., 91, of Corpus Christi passed away on December 17, 2020. Dial was born April 10, 1929 in San Antonio to Dial “Red” Cornwell and Velma Gibson Cornwell Everitt.

Dial was preceded in death by his parents, Dial and Velma; his wife, Loretta Swinney Cornwell; brother, Dwight W. Cornwell; and his daughter, Karen Cornwell Urban.

Left to cherish his memories are daughter, Mary Katherine Cornwell Taylor; grandchildren, Jacob (Jenny) Urban, Lisa (Dennis) Hermes, Katelynn (Karl) Hicks, Rachel (Matt) Hall; great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Ruby Urban, Harper Hermes, Adam Hicks, and Ashton Hall; and nephews, Vance W. Cornwell and Richard S. Cornwell.

Dial graduated from Brackenridge High School Class of 1947 in San Antonio, Texas. After high school, he went to work for Western Electric as an installer until joining the United States Army in 1950 proudly serving his country in the Korean War from 1950-1952. After returning from service, he continued his employment at Western Electric/AT&T for the next 40 years. He met and married his lovely wife, Loretta C. Swinney, on January 1, 1954. They were married 54 years until her death in 2008. After retiring from AT&T, Dial went to work for the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado at Routt National Forest, The Yampa Ranger District from 1990 to 1997.

Dial spent most of his childhood outside of Uvalde, Texas, growing up on a small ranch learning the love of the outdoors, how to hunt, from his beloved Uncle Vance Robie and Aunt Eunice. He shot his first 10-point deer at the age of 10 which still hangs on the wall of his home.

He spent many family weekends at Lake Mathis deer and bird hunting leases he shared with his many, many dear friends and their families he met through the American Legion Post 364 and working for Western Electric.

Dial and his wife, Loretta, spent many decades RV-ing throughout the United States visiting National Parks and Forests.

He had many hobbies including bowling championships and weekly golf games, even playing a month before he passed. Dial was well known for playing in Texas Tarock card tournaments, as well.

Most importantly, Dial was generous and provided well for his family and was charitable to children’s causes.

He will be laid to rest, with a graveside service, Wednesday, January 6, at 12 p.m. at Glenwood Cemetery in Beeville, Texas.