Robert Earl Cornelius, age 75, of Crossett died Friday, April 30, 2021 at UAMS Hospital in Little Rock, AR. He was a native of Camden, AR. but a resident of Crossett. Mr. Cornelius was a retired Electrician for G-P Paper Mill, a member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and Chairman of the Board of Christian Education and a Trustee, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict and a Deputy Grand Mason. Robert was the Master for Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Arkansas, High Priest of Stateline Chapter #81 of Royal Arch Masons of Crossett, Crossett Commandery #5 Knight Templar Masons, 2nd Lieutenant of Angerona Consistory #78-Pine Bluff, Grand Inspector General of the United Supreme Council of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons 33 degree- Southern Jurisdiction, Memphis, Tn.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward Isaiah and Pearline Harris- Cornelius and a brother Edward Isaiah Cornelius, Jr. Mr. Cornelius served on the Crossett School Board for 32 years, 11 of those years as President and was also inducted into the Ouachita Baptist University Hall of Fame. Robert enjoyed sports, especially basketball. His favorite team was the Los Angeles Lakers and he also enjoyed fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Mrs. Emma Jean Cornelius, one son Robert E. Cornelius, Jr.(Rebecca) of Crossett, two daughters Staci Y. Cornelius also of Crossett and Shirlene Cornelius of Camden, one sister Edith M. Cornelius of Camden, five grandchildren Stalyn Cornelius, James and Jaylyn Hampton, Robert Cornelius III, Brandon Smith and one great grandchild Dekklan Cornelius.

Funeral service will be Friday, May 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Crossett, AR. with Pastor Jesse Radford, Jr. officiating followed by burial at Westview Cemetery. Pallbearers are the Exodus Lodge #403.

Arrangements by Cromwell Funeral Home, Inc.