Gordon 'Popcorn' Corning

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Corning, 92, of Greenville, Illinois, on January 30, 2025, at Hickory Estates Memory Care Center in Greenville.

He was born April 19, 1932, to Harry and Thelma (Bell) Corning in Pardeeville, Wisconsin, where he spent his youth. After graduating from Pardeeville High School, Gordon attended trade school for a short time. He married the love of his life, Barbara Dalton, on December 27, 1952, after joining the U.S. Army, where he served honorably during the Korean War and was awarded two Bronze Stars. His military service took him to El Paso, Texas, before he and Barbara returned to Pardeeville to start their family.

Gordon built a lifelong career in electronics, especially scoreboards, a field he was passionate about. He worked for General Indicator Corporation in the 1960’s before moving to Greenville in 1972 to work for Nevco Scoreboard. Later, his career took him to Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where he worked for Stewart-Warner Corporation in Chicago. Eventually, he and Barbara settled back in Greenville, where he returned to Nevco until his retirement. Even then, he stayed active, working for American Pest Control for several years.

Beyond his career, Gordon dedicated much of his time to his community. He served as mayor of Greenville from 1997 to 2001 and was an active member of the Kiwanis Club and the Greenville VFW Post 1377. His faith was a guiding force in his life, and he found great joy in going to church and listening to hymns. He was a member of the Greenville United Methodist Church and in his later years he attended the Greenville First Christian Church.

Affectionately known as “Popcorn” to family and friends, Gordon was a man of many talents. He was a gifted woodworker and clock repairman, had a knack for small electronics, and was an exceptionally good cook—his pies, tacos, and grilling skills were legendary. A devoted sports fan, he cheered passionately for the Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals. He loved playing curling, Euchre, golfing, piloting small aircraft and had a soft spot for dogs.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Thelma, his beloved wife Barbara, daughter Ellen Childerson and brothers Donald Corning, Chester Corning and George Corning.

He leaves behind a loving family: daughters Julie Kay Corning and Gail (Larry) Wall; son-in-law Mike (Anne) Childerson; grandchildren Shane (Karen) Cress, Erin (Tylor) Muhlenkamp, Kacie Wall, Tyler (Mandy) Wall, Phillip (Brittany) Childerson, Laura (Adam) Wufsus, and Peter Childerson; as well as eight cherished great-grandchildren; brother Harry Corning, and sisters, Evelyn Wilson and Violet Bauer.

Graveside service will be held for family and friends at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Greenville on Friday, February 7th, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Reverand Tyson Graber officiating. Full military honors will be afforded by the Greenville VFW Post 1377. A luncheon will follow the service at the First Christian Church in Greenville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to: Bond County Transit, 102 E. Bowman Dr., Greenville, Il. 62246, RuralMed EMS Bond County, 817 E. Harris Ave., Greenville, Il. 62246, and/or the Bond County Health Department 1520 S. 4th St., Greenville, Il., 62246.

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the arrangements.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.