Ronald Perry Cordes
April 22, 1938 - April 05, 2010
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Ronald Perry Cordes
April 22, 1938 - April 05, 2010
Obituary
Ronald Perry Cordes, age 71, of San Clemente, California passed away in his sleep on Monday, April 5, 2010 due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Ron was born on April 22, 1938 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the fourth son of Claus and Andrea Kaiser Cordes. Ron met Annabelle Boubelik on a summer break and they were married in 1961. They had three children: James Henry, Robert Perry and Margaret Anne. Annabelle predeceased him in 1998.
Ron graduated from the University of Missouri in 1960 and immediately joined the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator flying the S-2 Tracker, eventually completing over 100 carrier landings on the USS Kearsarge. Following his honorable discharge in 1965, Ron joined United Air Lines as a pilot where he flew a wide variety of aircraft. He retired in 1998 as a Captain on the Boeing 747, and in retirement he found time to play golf, learn piano and travel widely. He began the new millennium by marrying Mary McGill Cordes.
Ron is survived by his loving wife Mary; his children Jim Becky, Bob Hannah, and Peg Wendy; nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Ron was active in the AFS foreign exchange program throughout the 1970s and 1980s and is survived by Anders Bonde of Denmark, Peter Erckens Tine of Belgium, and Loraine Magda Simon of South Africa. Ron is also survived by his brother Dean Shirley and sister-in-law Marilyn.
Ron faced the challenges of ALS with courage, dignity and a sense of humor. He will be missed by everyone who had the great fortune to know him.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 10, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, San Clemente. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The ALS Association, Orange County Chapter, 714 285-1088.
4 responses to Ronald Perry Cordes
Mimi Scheib Hatfield says:
April 8, 2010
Dearest Mary and all the Cordes family,
I met Ron for only one evening and was so impressed by his wit, energy and generous nature. He was truly a fine gentleman. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Cousin Mimi
Morris Emigh says:
April 11, 2010
Ron was a good friend while we were in VS-29 together and he became a fine mentor when we shared some time together while working for UAL. He was a kind, gentle man with a great sense of humor and we will honor his memory with the greatest respect.
Our thoughts are with you in these sad times.
Morris & Sherry Emigh
Peggy Russo says:
April 12, 2010
Dear Mary and family,
I heard with sadness the passing of your beloved husband. I send you hugs and prayers.
LARRY & KATHY WILLETTE says:
April 16, 2010
Mary,
It’s been so many years since the VS-29 days but I do remember them fondly as though it was yesterday and Ron was certainly part of that fond memory. I doubt that you’ll even remember us but we wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
LARRY & KATHY WILLETTE