Alan W. Corney
October 9, 1951 - December 19, 2009
When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Alan W. Corney who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Alan was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Alan knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.
Alan was born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 9, 1951. His parents were James and Betty Anderson. Alan was raised in West Jefferson, Ohio to Fontana, CA. Even as a youngster, Alan learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.
As a young boy, Alan was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren't supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. He had two siblings, George amd Rosana. Alan had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Alan, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
Alan's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Alan enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Alan took part in baseball.
In school, Alan was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Alan was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Alan's personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. ”
An objective and conscientious individual, Alan reveled in the security of his family. On January 14, 1979 Alan exchanged wedding vows with Susan Eileen Smith at his home in Twentynine Palms, CA. One of Alan's most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.
Alan was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Alan would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Alan was blessed with 5 children, two sons: Kyle and James and three daughters: Kimberly, Kelly and Dalene. They were also blessed with 10 grandchildren, Kristen, Dante, Jessica, Keianna, Daisha, Lilly, Nathan, Isabella, Isaac, Keli'i Alan.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Alan was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Alan was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Alan upheld his standards. His primary occupation was in Logistics Management. He was employed for 33 years with the Department of Defense. Alan was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Alan was a Marine Corps Veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was stationed in Twentynine Palms, CA. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Alan approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were casino games. Alan was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Alan to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included being a baseball coach, recreational bowling and golf. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and baseball.
Being generous with his time and energy, Alan liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Alan was an active member of the ADA for Twentynine Palms Little League.
A civic-minded person, Alan was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Alan was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Twentynine Palms Little League. Politically, Alan was a strong supporter of the Republican Party. During these years, Alan applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Alan used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Alan had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Honolulu, Hawaii and Las Vegas.
Alan was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Three of Alan's favorites were Pookie Bear, a Chow Chow he had for 14 years; Tiger, a Boxer he had for 7 years and Princess Buttercup, a Pekenigese he had for 9 years.
When Alan's retirement finally arrived in 2003, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved staying in Twentynine Palms, CA. In retirement, he found new pleasure in gambling. In many ways, Alan loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.
Alan passed away on December 19, 2009 at his home in Twentynine Palms, CA. Alan fought a brave battle against Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsey. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his children, Dalene, James, Kimberly, Kelly and Kyle; his ten grandchildren and numerous other family members. Services were held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, December 24, 2009, at Desert Congregational Church, Twentynine Palms, CA. Alan was laid to rest in Twentynine Palms Cemetery, Twentynine Palms, CA.
All who knew him would agree that Alan was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Alan W. Corney did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.