Obituary of David Norman Corns

David N. Corns, 71, of Norton, KS passed away December 17, 2020 at the Norton County Hospital. David was born at Fort Sill Army Base in Lawton, Oklahoma on November 9, 1949 to Kenneth and Geraldine (Cochran) Corns. He spent his early childhood growing up on Army bases in Washington, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Alaska. He returned to Norton at age 11, graduating from Norton Community High School. He attended Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, KS earning a degree in auto mechanics. He served as a Sergeant in the US Army Reserve, Chemical Operations Specialist, from 1977-1993. David’s sense of responsibility and work ethic was like no other and he learned this at an early age stepping into the role of the “man” of the family with the early death of his dad. One of his first jobs was at K and L Market carrying out groceries, he also served as Station Manager at Gall Conoco Station, worked at Wiltfong Mobile Station, HVAC Service Technician at Norton Sheet Metal, established, maintained and updated property records for inmates at the Norton Correctional Facility, and finished his employment career at the Norton Andbe Home delivering laundry to residents which was something he truly enjoyed being able to visit with each one of them, especially, his Aunt Marcia Cochran, and those that he used to service their air conditioners and furnaces. His sense of responsibility lead him to many years of dedicated service to the City of Norton. He served as Councilman from 1995 thru 1999 and then was elected Mayor and served in that role until April 2015. He took these roles seriously and loved giving back to his hometown. David was a family man even though he never had children of his own. He was a proud uncle and anyone that visited with David heard all the stories. He could be seen pulling up to a nephew’s football game on his motorcycle in full leather and would get off the bike grinning from ear to ear because everyone knew he had ARRIVED. He lived for the time spent in gyms watching those nieces and nephews play volleyball, basketball, and wrestling. Spring and summer brought baseball and softball where he always had his sunflower seeds. We even got him to ride in the golf cart a few times to watch a few holes of golf. He rarely missed a school music program or church event and even watched nephews in the muddy pig brawls during fair and was the first to say “let’s go ride the rides.” He enjoyed making memories watching his family enjoy the things they loved. David had many hobbies that kept him busy but the one most loved by him and known to all was his love of motorcycles and the open road and feeling the wind on his face. Harley Davidson’s were his favorite by far but he owned many brands including BMW, Honda, Triumph, Motoguzzi, Kawasaki, Dirt Bikes, and Mopeds. It was not uncommon for him to call his sister, Pam, and say “Oh by the way, I’m leaving on vacation, don’t really know where I’m going, but the bike and I are leaving in the morning, so you’ll need to take care of the house and dog.” David was a history nut and loved anything war and military related including books, memorabilia, and watching documentaries on the History Channel. He was a life-long learner and enjoyed reading. He loved taking pictures especially of his travels. His dogs were his family with Sandy and Chewie being his most beloved pets. He was a member of the Harmonson-Redd American Legion Post #63 and Free Tomorrow Motorcycle Club including serving as Road Captain. The motorcycle club was an important part of his life and truly, his second family. He loved the weekend rides, the poker runs, the annuals, and the lifelong friends he made in this group. Survivors include his twin sister Deborah (John) Lindenman, Morland; brother in-law Elvin Edgett, Norton; nieces: Stacie Edgett-Minson, WaKeeney, and Tammy (Roger) VanLoenen, Hill City, and nephews: Shawn (Melissa) Lindenman, Morland, Cory (Beth) Lindenman, Winfield, Brent (Heather) Lindenman, Central City, Nebraska, and great nephews and great nieces: Carter & Cooper Minson, WaKeeney, Leslie (Nathan) Hanna, Topeka, Shaelynn VanLoenen, Russell, Gabriella VanLoenen, Hill City, Jacob & Leah Lindenman, Morland, Breckyn, Brody & Cale Lindenman, Winfield, and Aria Hodge and Mila Lindenman, Central City, Nebraska. David is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth & Geraldine Corns; sister, Pamela Edgett; grandparents, aunts and uncles. Graveside inurnment services with military honors will be held on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 1:30pm at the Norton Cemetery, Norton, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harmonson-Redd American Legion Post #63, Norton or the WaKeeney VFW Post #3449. Condolences may be left at www.enfieldfh.com