Ernie Corum, 82, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, passed away May 27, 2020, after a long battle to live. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Ernie was born July 17, 1937, in Excelsior Springs, to Frank Joel and Lorene (Perry) Corum.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Jackson) Corum, of 28 years and 10 months. He was married and died in the house he lived in.

Ernie was well known to be a hard worker and as a young boy he worked along with his father doing farm work. Most of his career was truck driving. His last job as a driver was for Bill Corum, his cousin. Ernie retired after that job for about two weeks, then he was ready to go again. He held several retirement jobs. Ernie liked people and he enjoyed working for Price Chopper for nine years and the Excelsior Springs School District for about six years as a school crossing guard. He was also a well-known Santa Claus. He usually did it free, but occasionally entertained children at parties with his son, Ernie Jr., as “The Elf.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Corum; sister, Anna Mae Clancy and her infant twin; a half-brother, Raymond Rhodus; halfsister, Bernice Massey; and half-sister, Nadine King.

Survivors include his children: Lesa Pigg, Excelsior Springs; Cathay Arthur, Craig, Colorado; and Ernie Jr., Excelsior Springs. His stepchildren are Jeff Jackson, California; Craig Jackson, Liberty, Missouri; Kathy Shobe, Lawson, Missouri; Laura Jackson, Excelsior Springs’ and Andy Jackson, Kansas City, Missouri. Also surviving are two sisters, Helen Haverfield, Arizona, and Joyce Payne, California; and many nieces and nephews; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and cousins.

Ernie was a descendant of a long line of old-time Clay County early settlers. The early Corum family farmed land that is now Kearney, Missouri, and neighbored with Jesse James.

A memorial service occurred at the Excelsior Springs Baptist Church on Oct. 5, 2020. Following the service, the church provided a dinner. CoronaVirus precautions were observed, with all family and friends invited. Graveside services will be held at a later date.

Cremation: Reflections Memorial Service LLC, Hospice Care: Three Rivers.