Rev. Forrest Edward Cornwell, 86, of Portsmouth, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Best Care Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Wheelersburg. He was born December 1, 1935, in Portsmouth, a son of the late Forrest Dale and Opal Robirds Cornwell.
Eddie retired after 20 years of working as a custodian for the Portsmouth City Schools and he was an ordained minister in the Christian Baptist Association. He was currently serving as the pastor of Highland Bend Christian Baptist Church. He pastored many other churches over the years and served in many positions on the Christian Baptist Board and as president of Home Missions.
Eddie also served in the US Army and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He also earned a degree from the former Portsmouth Interstate Business College.
Preceding him in death on October 13, 2007, was his first wife, Dorothy Louise Wente Cornwell. The couple was married in Portsmouth on August 7, 1955.
Surviving is his wife, Lois Annette Royster Cornwell, whom he married June 28, 2008, in Westwood, KY; three sons, Thomas Edward (Gina) Cornwell of Chillicothe, Brian Keith (Connie) Cornwell of Amelia, and Forrest Wesley (Michelle) Cornwell of Jacksonville, FL; a sister, Julia “Rosie” (James “Dewey”) George of Sciotoville; a nephew whom he reared, Zackary Lunsford of New Boston; seven grandchildren, Brian Scott Cornwell, Courtney Nicole (William) Jones, Forrest Russell Cornwell, Lindsey Renee Cornwell, Jerry Lee (Tina) Burgess, Sabrina (Keith) Boggess, and Brandon Burgess; and eight great-grandchildren.
Eddie was also preceded in death by a sister, Myrtle Kitchen.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Tuesday at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Pastor Dean Thompson, Sr. officiating and interment in Vernon Cemetery. The James Dickey Post #23 American Legion will conduct military graveside rites.
In honor of Rev. Cornwell’s service to our country, the flag of the US Army will fly at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Baptist Association World for Christ Mission, P.O. Box 132, Wheelersburg, OH 45694.