Reverend Charles E. Corns, 82, of Burlington, died June 21, 2023.
He was born Aug. 8, 1940, to Calvin and Jenny June Henry Corns in Ft. Madison.
On Aug. 18, 1961, he married Nancy Carolyn Miller in Denmark. He graduated from Denmark High School. Right after graduation he joined the Navy and served his country for 20 years in the Navy and Marine Corps as a Corpsman “Doc”! A Vietnam vet, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam.
He graduated from Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif. He worked on the Santa Fe Railroad as a brakeman and conductor.
After retiring from the railroad he worked as a Pinkerton guard at the Dupont and Climax plants.
His greatest joy came at the age of 57 when he met Jesus and gave his life to him. He was called into the ministry and was ordained as a pastor in the Nazarene Church at age 65. He pastored in Waverly for ten years then retired because of health. He was associate pastor at Burlington First Nazarene Church where he taught Sunday school and led men’s Bible study for many years. He and Nancy were also small group leaders for many years. Eleven years ago, Charlie and Nancy started the shared blessings ministry that gives away free clothes to those in need in the community.
He had been active in the VFW and Marine Corps League. He was a chaplain for many service organizations and chaplain of the Nazarene Church and also a police chaplain.
He is survived by his wife Nancy Carolyn of almost 62 years; three sons Charles “Chuck” Jr. (Lynn) of Waukee, David of Montrose, and Dr. Steven (Missy) of Rolla, Mo.; four grandchildren Kristen (Nathan) Hemmings of Grimes, Andrea (Brian) Bergdale of Grimes, David M. (Stephanie) Corns USN Bremerton, Wash., and Hannah (Nolan) Quade of Mt. Pleasant; seven great-grandchildren and one due in July Aneira Corns, Zara, Zia and Zayla Hemmings, Hunter and Nora Bergdale and Harrison Quade and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law Mardema Corns, brothers Henry and Stanley Corns, sisters Mary Bergmeier, Shirley Danley, and Barbara Six.
According to his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
The memorial service for Charles will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 28 at First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Jeff Alexander officiating. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 27 at the church. Military rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the First Church of the Nazarene.