Cornelius Washington Jr. peacefully passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas.

Cornelius was born on March 23, 1949, in Greenville, Mississippi, to the union of Cornelius Washington Sr. and Louella Mitchell Washington. He accepted Christ at an early age.  His parents moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and later divorced. He was raised by his mother, Louella Bradley and stepfather, James C. Bradley, Sr.

Cornelius is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, brothers, Rev. Curley Bradley, Andre' Bradley, Rev. Quincy Bradley Sr., and sister, Joyce E. Bradley. He married Evelyn Webb on March 8, 1974. No children were born from this union and Evelyn also preceded him in death.

Cornelius attended Lincoln High School in Kansas City, Missouri where he excelled in Mathematics.  He was very athletic and held key positions on the baseball and basketball teams. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served in the Vietnam War, and subsequently received an honorable discharge. After leaving the military, he attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education.  Utilizing his degree, he served as a substitute teacher in the Kansas City, Missouri School District. Cornelius also sold real estate, managed several local music groups, loved to DJ at various events, and enjoyed watching Western and Kung Fu movies.

Cornelius was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He loved Blues and Motown music, the Kansas City Chiefs, and other sports. He was best known for his exquisite taste in fancy cars, impeccable stylish flair and dapper dress style–earning him the nicknames Ajax, Flakes, Mr. Clean, Corny and Don Cornelius.

Cornelius is survived by: his loving daughters, Saundra Thomas, Amelia (Andre Sr.) Veasey,  Corean (Marcus) Crawford; siblings, David Washington, Karen Bradley, James C. Bradley Jr., Cheri Bradley-Morrow; stepbrother, Rev Townsend Barnette; grandchildren, Sydney Thomas, Dair'Reyel Veasey, Lamont Veasey, Elijah Veasey, Alexander Emmanuel Veasey, Jamarcus Staten, Maceo Crawford, Marien Crawford; special and loving nephew, Jason Piggie; sister-in-law, Patricia Bradley; aunts, Verla Mitchell-McDade, Billiette Mitchell; beloved Goddaughters, Fatima (David) Lewis, Cheyenne Morris, Carnita Washington, Heaven Richardson, Raquel Roche, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Services for Mr. Washington will be held 11:00 A. M. Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.  Burial Forest Hill Cemetery.  Friends may call from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL.