George Emerson Cornwell Sr., “Papa”, 97, a lifelong resident of Wareham and husband of the late Dorothy R. (Futch) Cornwell passed away on May 18. Mr. Cornwell was born in Wareham the son of the late Carl C. and Helen (Gibbs) Cornwell. He attended Wareham Public Schools, New Bedford Vocational High School and New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science, Embalming and Funeral Directing. He enjoyed to travel and yardwork.

A World War II Navy veteran, Mr. Cornwell served during the D-Day invasion attached to the amphibious forces, deck division, as a gunner on board a LST, helping to land and transport troops, supplies and equipment during the invasion. Following D-Day he was sent to North Africa, Italy and France for the Southern invasion. Mr. Cornwell was honorably discharged on Oct. 24, 1945.

Mr. Cornwell worked and owned the family enterprise for many years known to the area as the Cornwell Department Store “Cornwell’s” on Main Street in Wareham. He was a salesman and linoleum layer. In 1951, he became the owner of the Cornwell Memorial Chapel located at 5 Center St. in Wareham. Founded in 1880 by George Ernest Cornwell and later managed by his three sons, Carl C., George F., and Ray H. Cornwell. Mr. Cornwell operated the funeral home for 44 years and officially ended all operations on Feb. 28, 2000.

Mr. Cornwell is survived by his loving friend and companion of 26 years Grace “Gracie” Ouellette of Wareham. He was the father of Carl W. Cornwell Sr. and his wife Barbara of Wareham and the late George E. Cornwell Jr. and his wife Madeline “Bonnie” of Nashville Georgia. He was the grandfather of George E. III, Christine, Karen, Carl Jr., Dawn, Jennifer and Justin. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. He was the uncle of Jill Griffin and Joyce Griffin-Hall. He was the brother of the late Ruth Griffin and uncle of the late Joan Whitehead, Judy Conway, Alan Griffin and Jeffrey Griffin. He was also survived by many loving relatives, friends, especially Suzanne Kuznarowis of Wareham, Lisa Lorenz of Rochester and Arthur Ouellette of Onset.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Wareham Village Funeral Home 5 Center St. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 24, at 10 a.m. in the Wareham Village Funeral Home. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will follow in Agawam Cemetery Wareham. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com.