By Paige Gurgainers

A prayer vigil in memory of Mr. Joe Cornelius was held Wednesday evening, Sept. 11, at Mt. Zion CME Church in Minden. 

Many city officials, family members, friends and churches united to honor Cornelius’ legacy and life-long service to the community and its people.  

Cornelius served as a past mayor, city council member, Ward Marshall and was also famously known as “Mr. Joe – the Ice Cream Man.” 

The community shared in music, prayer and personal stories including City Marshall Dan Weaver. He said, “I know he was the man of the Lord and we all know where he is today. He loved the badge and he loved helping people. Everywhere we would go, Joe was hugging people’s necks whether they were 13 years old or 103.” 

Weaver reflected on when he found out about Cornelius’ passing and said, “I just couldn’t believe it. Joe would say, ‘Don’t shed a tear. Be happy.’ But that’s hard and it’s hard for a lot of us.” 

The City of Minden Mayor Nick Cox shared that when he heard of the passing of Cornelius, he immediately began receiving phone calls from the media on a city, parish, state, national and even world-wide level.

“Everyone had interest in the situation, but the situation is a local situation. The people that are really hurting aren’t in Washington. They are here in Minden,” said Cox. “It hurts me when our people hurt, but it encourages me when we come together.”

Chief of Police Jared McIver also shared some insight on the case expressing his awareness that everyone still has questions. “Everybody wants to know why and I wish we had those answers and one day we may,” he said. “But Mr. Joe left behind a legacy and something for us to follow.”

McIver also expressed his willingness to comfort and support the family during this time. “If I can ever be a help to anyone or if ever can give you any kind of guidance to where we are, I would be glad to sit down and talk to you about the situation, but right now is a day to celebrate Mr. Joe.”

A funeral service will be held for Cornelius on Saturday at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Minden.