Eldon David Corne, age 87, of Flora, Illinois, and formerly of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away Wednesday morning, February 28, 2018, at his home.

   Eldon was born June 23, 1930, in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Luther Blaze and Emma A. (Hahn) Corne.  He married JoAnn Geraldine Moffett on July 26, 1958, in Norfolk, Virginia, and together they shared 44 years of marriage.  She preceded him in death June 8, 2003. 

   Eldon was a ship serviceman in the U.S. Navy, and in 1966 he retired from the Navy after 20 years.  He then went on to work for the City of Norfolk, Virginia, as a senior account clerk in the treasurer’s office.  After retirement, Eldon and JoAnn returned to Michigan.  He was a longtime member of the Church of God.  Eldon enjoyed playing music and could play any string instrument by ear, but especially enjoyed the guitar and mandolin. He also enjoyed watching western movies on TV.  Eldon was a good husband and father who had a mild temperament and was always willing to lend a helping hand to others.

   Eldon is survived by 3 children: Jenise Lynn LeMay (Michael) of Flora, Dale Nathan Corne of Flora, and David Eldon Corne (Beverly) of Lincoln, Kansas; 5 grandchildren: Megan (Michael) Farrar, Crystelle LeMay, Nathan LeMay, Joshua Corne, and Katie Corne; 2 great-grandchildren: Aiden Michael and Colton James; 3 siblings: Bill Corne, Donna (Gary) Hill, and Diana (Leroy) Bayn; along with several nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; siblings: Harold Corne and Ethel Smith; and sister-in-law: Emma “Ricky” Corne.

   A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018, at First Church of God in Flora with Pastor Michael LeMay officiating.  Military funeral honors will be presented at the conclusion of the service.  Interment will be in the Seville Cemetery in Riverdale, Michigan, at a later date.  Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora assisted the family with arrangements.