John Francis Cordell

John Francis Cordell

Memorial services for John Francis Cordell, 83, were held Sept. 10, 2003, at Normandy Park Community Club, Normandy Park, Wash.

John Cordell died Sept. 1, 2003, in Des Moines, Wash.

John was born June 4, 1920, in Lusk, the first child of John and Elizabeth Cordell.

Growing up in Lusk, he developed a love of music under the tutelage of Miss Alice Fowler and played many instruments.

In 1937, he moved with the Cordell family to Eugene, Ore.

John was a pilot for United Airlines from 1944 to 1980.

He married Ellaine Newman in 1943 and they moved to Chicago. In 1947 they moved to the Seattle area and settled in 1955 in Normandy Park to raise their family.

After his retirement, John studied early childhood education at Highline Community College, then went on to volunteer with Special Olympics, Children's Orthopedic Hospital Summer Camp and Valley Birth-to-Five Preschool.

Throughout his life, John turned to music and outdoor activities in his leisure time. He enjoyed hiking, skiing, boating and fishing with family and friends.

John is survived by his daughter, Chris Gaines; three sons, David Cordell, Jeff Cordell and John Cordell; two sisters, Betty McCall and Shirley Shipman; eight grandchildren, Mark, Michelle, Sharon, Rachel, Jeanett, Caitlin, Jarrett and Molly and two great-grandsons, Christian and Jackson.

John was preceded in death by his wife Ellaine, his parents, John and Elizabeth Cordell, and his sister Audrey Tally.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records