Obituary
Gordon Wayne Corn (90) passed to his Heavenly home surrounded by family.on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Born in Sibley, MO on May 12, 1933, Gordon was the first born son of Ivan Reddin Corn and Ruby Frances (Mann) Corn. Gordon joined three older half brothers and was later joined by four more siblings, making him one of seven.
Active on the family farm from a very young age, Gordon learned the value of hard work, an ease with tools and machinery and appreciation for the land — foundational in his future adventures. Gordon would tell stories of driving a tractor at age six and having his bare foot stepped on by a horse (he always wore shoes after that!) Gordon graduated from Buckner High School in 1951 in a class of fewer than 35.
On December 12, 1951, Gordon married the cute girl he met in 1st grade, Glenna Mae (Edwards) Corn. She always declared he was the cutest boy she had ever seen. Moving to Lee’s Summit in 1957 Gordon and Glenna established the home where they would raise their three daughters Cathy, Kendra and Celia. Gordon was the consummate “girl dad” and loved his girls dearly, serving as room parent for their elementary school classes and always modeling character, faith and kindness. Gordon later became “Papa” to four grandchildren, Niki, Matthew, Mystie and Jaymie. And later, he warmly welcomed three bonus granddaughters in Katie, Julie and Christy. Papa was always in on the jokes, a willing participant in pranks, and the source of endless laughter. The fun only compounded when the Great-grandkids arrived: Paisley, Cohen, Brayden, Aryanna, Jayla and Xander. Always the fun Papa, grandkids flocked to greet him, ask for a favorite joke or demand an ornery, familiar exchange. Papa was always a crowd favorite at any family gathering.
At the age of 18 Gordon began working at Armco Steel in Kansas City, MO; he remained employed by Armco Steel until retirement in 1982. Post retirement, Gordon embarked on a second career as a co-owner of Superior Welding and Fabrication, running machinery, delivering products all over the country and mastering his gift for craftsmanship. Gordon served on the Board of Directors for United Consumers Credit Union for 42 continuous years having just retired this past March. Gordon was also an active member of his church communities including Six Mile Baptist Church in Sibley and later becoming ordained as a Deacon of White Ridge Baptist in Lee’s Summit.
A passionate traveler, Gordon was never one to shy away from a road trip — even before the days of air conditioning. Gordon and Glenna enjoyed many years traveling into the mountains, exploring, hiking and camping in national parks with their daughters and later their grandchildren. This passion for travel led them to Europe on several occasions, into the waters of Alaska, countless campsites and hours of mountain views. Visiting 47 states throughout their travels, Gordon and Glenna eventually purchased a charming home in Salida, Colorado. The small home was host to family getaways several times a year, each room comfortably packed, full of family.
Gordon and Glenna also spent several years on the square dance floor. Glenna would stitch matching outfits to fit with the theme. Through square dancing they met friends and created life-long memories. Gordon was always one for adventure. Some may even say he had a taste for the extreme. A seasoned snowmobiler he was forever pushing boundaries on day excursions with family (in his “punkin” suit). If the trees could talk, they could write chapters. The adventures were on occasion harrowing, Papa swearing every grandkid to secrecy as Grandma would most assuredly not be thrilled with the off-roading shenanigans. It was this same sense of adventure that led Gordon to explore flying. In the 80’s he obtained his pilot’s license and began flying short trips over the city. Gordon also experienced ziplining and hot air ballooning with family. In later years Gordon enjoyed time in his workshop working with his hands. He learned the art of caning, furniture restoration and woodworking. He also loved reading, history and had an insatiable appetite for learning.
He will be missed by all who knew him, but in the midst of grief, the family is grateful for the gift of time. Gordon was the prime example of a life well lived, a life well loved and a soul content.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 71 years Glenna Corn and his daughters Ruby Catherine Ellena (Jack) , Kendra Susan Holmes (Jim) and Cecilia Janel Holman (Kevin); grandchildren Niki Stanley (Joshua King), Matthew Holman (Briana), Mystie Oldham (Justin), and Jaymie Holmes; bonus Grand-chlldren Katie, Julie & Christy Ellena. Great-Grandchildren Paisley & Cohen King, Brayden, Aryanna & Jayla Oldham, and Xander Holman; and brothers, Wendell Corn and Russell Corn and sisters Alice Schlagle (Don) and Rebecca Deason.
A visitation is planned for 1:00pm Wednesday, May 31 followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm both at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, MO. Graveside services will be held at Blue Springs Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Historic St. Elmo and Chalk Creek Canyon, Inc. (HSE & CCC or HSE) in care of Langsford Funeral Home.
