Corporal Eloy Rodrigo Cornejo, Jr. "Deputy C"

Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 PM with visitation starting at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 29, 2024 in First Baptist Church of Lafayette for Corporal Eloy Rodrigo Cornejo Jr, 38, who passed away on April 17, 2024. Eloy was born to Eloy Sr and Linda Cornejo on June 15, 1985 in The Bronx, NY. Rev. Jeff Strassel and Rev. Nick Watts with First Baptist Church of Lafayette will conduct the funeral services. Burial will take place in Fountain Memorial Gardens Cemetery, immediately following service. Eloy started at a very young age playing baseball with his brother Rico. While in high school at Acadiana High, he started varsity all 4 years as a 2nd baseman, then made high school all-star team senior year. Eloy graduated in 2004, he then went on to attend McNeese State University where he played college baseball. Eloy transferred to University of Lafayette where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Eloy started his journey caring for others and giving back to his community when he became a CNA. He worked in several hospitals and eventually took care of his grandmother, Shirley Yhap Kujawa, until her passing. He then went on to start his career with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2016. He started as a correctional officer then in 2017 graduated the Acadiana Law Enforcement Training Academy, earning the “Big Dog Award” of the 154th ALETA Class. He continued to excel in his career, receiving letters of recognition and completing S.W.A.T training in 2019. Unfortunately, he could not continue due to a knee injury, but did continue on to become Corporal. In 2019 Eloy married the love of his life, Shanna Neighbors, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter. The following year in 2020, Eloy’s pride and joy was born, Rigo. His life changed forever. He wanted a better life for his family, so he took his years of training, experience, compassion for others and devotion and poured it into becoming the best School Resource Officer (SRO) he could be at First Baptist Christian School (FBCS). FBCS became his second home and family. Every day there was a fun or heartwarming story to tell. He loved helping in carline, playing kickball, basketball, volleyball, escorting the kids for lunch, ice cream or events. If he wasn’t working extra security at the south-water plant or The Bayou Church, he was working aftercare at FBCS or the games and school dances at night. In his downtime Eloy loved playing with his son. He always tried to make time for his family. He had to miss playing softball tournaments to do so. But he did take time to play Xbox and visit Kurt from time to time on game nights. Fantasy football was one of his beloved hobbies. If he wasn’t talking about fantasy football it was all about the school, Mr. Jeff and the kids. He was always excited to present the HERO award to the students, so much that he would dress up as Captain America. Eloy said many times he had to protect everyone and make sure his FBCS family stayed safe. Eloy felt so blessed that our son was able to attend FBCS for PreK3. Bringing him to school everyday and seeing him throughout the day helped build their father-son bond. Eloy not only gained another family with FBCS, he had a new found faith. Eloy had met with the pastor at First Baptist Church, where he shared the Gospel. Eloy prayed and accepted Jesus into his heart. Eloy may be gone from this Earth, but never forgotten. He left behind a legacy. He was a devoted husband and father who will be missed every single day for the rest of our lives. Our hearts are shattered and our world has been turned upside down. It was an honor to have been his wife and to be the mother of his beautiful son, Rigo. His infectious smile, warm embrace, selflessness, and love for both his families and community will be dearly missed. Eloy is survived by his beloved wife of almost 5 years, Shanna LaNeil Cornejo; son, Eloy "Rigo" Rodrigo Cornejo III; maternal grandfather, Charles “Charlie Boo” Kujawa; parents, Eloy and Linda Cornejo; Uncle, W.L. “Dub” Davis (Tarrah); brother, Rodrigo "Rico" Eloy Cornejo (Mallory); nephew, Tate Andres Cornejo; parents-in-law, Jim and Cheryal Neighbors; and his brother-in-law, James "Jay" Neighbors III. Eloy was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Shirley Yhap Kujawa. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at First Baptist Church of Lafayette on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 2:00PM until the time of service. Pallbearers will be Rico Cornejo, W.L. "Dub" Davis, Scott Norris, Kyle Martin, Brandon Duhon, Beau Navarre, Kurt Snyder, and Scotty Landry. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rev. Jeff Strassel, Rev. Nick Watts, Brett Delcambre, Cody Delcambre, Damien Escott, Karry Falcon, Faris Fife, Josh Jones, and Josh Guy. The Cornejo family would like to thank the First Baptist Church, FBCS, Delhomme Funeral Home, The Bayou Church, Lafayette Parish Sheriff Office, Fountain Memorial, all family, friends, and the entire community for the love, compassion and support that has been given to us. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and will forever be grateful. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to raise awareness for the prevention of suicide. Please donate to a local suicide prevention service in memory/honor of Corporal Eloy Rodrigo Cornejo Jr. “Deputy C” Personal condolences may be sent to the family Corporal Eloy Rodrigo Cornejo, Jr. at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com Corporal Eloy Rodrigo Cornejo, Jr. and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA.

Corporal Eloy Rodrigo Cornejo, Jr. "Deputy C"

June 15, 1985 - April 17, 2024