Lt. General Fred Kornet Jr.

Lieutenant General (Ret) Fred Kornet, Jr. passed away Friday, June 22, 2018, at St. Catherine's Village, Madison, MS. He was born in Wortendyke, NJ, on October 2, 1919, to Frederick Kornet and Adrienne Roetman. He is survived by his two daughters, Kathleen Lyell (husband Garland Lyell) of Jackson, MS, and Christine Kornet (husband David Montgomerie) of Hilo, Hawaii. Also surviving are his four grandchildren, Rick Johnson (wife Allison), Scott Johnson (wife Jennifer), William Montgomerie and Claire Montgomerie, and four great-grandchildren, who treasured their many visits with "Grandpa Fred”. A loving nephew and several special nieces also visited as often as they could. He is predeceased by his devoted wife of 69 years, Lois Esau Kornet, and his brother, John L. Kornet.

Fred earned an Engineering degree from Lehigh University in 1940 where he participated in its ROTC program. He began his Army career in 1941. During World War II he served in the European Theater as an ordnance supply officer. After the war he was stationed in Germany for three years as the executive officer of 1st Battalion, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. In 1953 he was assigned to Watertown Arsenal, MA, where he was assistant to the Chief of Operations Division. Earning an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1957, Fred combined his interest in the business of military hardware with a life-long desire to serve his country. He next completed a four year tour of duty with the Office of the Chief of Ordnance in Washington, D.C. as Chief of the Guided Missiles Branch. From 1961 to 1962, he attended the Army War College in Carlisle, PA, after which he served in Korea as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics with the 7th Logistical Command. Upon his return to the U.S. in 1965, he assumed command of Watervliet Arsenal, NY, and was promoted to Brigadier General in July of 1967. Moving back to Washington, he was then assigned to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics. In August of 1970, he was promoted to Major General and assigned as Commanding General of the Army Aviation Systems Command, St. Louis, MO. In 1973 he returned to the Pentagon, was promoted to Lieutenant General, and was sworn in as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics for the United States Army. He retired from active duty on August 31, 1975. Fred and Lois then settled in Allentown, PA, where they lived until moving to St.Catherine’s Village in 2005.

Fred was an avid golfer. In Washington he and Lois played often at Army Navy Country Club. In Allentown, he was a member of Lehigh Country Club where for 30+ years he and Lois enjoyed the game together and with their many friends. When they moved to Mississippi they joined Colonial Country Club where he played with the Super Coots until well into his 90's.

Fred's military accomplishments were recognized with four Army service and commendation medals, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and induction into the Ordnance Corps Hall of fame. He received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Engineering from Lehigh University. But he didn't stop there. After retiring from the military, Fred became Vice President for Corporate Planning for Pennsylvania Power and Light, followed by nine years of service on the Lehigh Valley (HealthEast) Hospital Board. It was upon Fred's retirement from this Board that a fellow trustee wrote these words, so aptly capturing the essence of Fred's character: "He serves with vigor, he serves with intelligence…He is meticulous, determined, thoughtful, and unfailingly courteous…an example to us all." Fred's friends and family would add that he brings kindness and a sassy sense of humor to every encounter. Since his passing, several friends have said that the world would be a better place if there were more men like Fred Kornet in it.

The family wishes to thank the residents and the entire staff of St. Catherine’s Village for the love and care extended to Fred and Lois throughout their many years there.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 28, from 1:00 to 3:00 P. M. at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS. Fred will be buried with full military honors, alongside Lois, at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Ste 410, Rockville, MD 20852.