Cory R. Hull

Luke 18:16: “Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Cory Hull left this world Thursday evening, October 31, 2013, in the loving arms of his sister. Cory fought a long and courageous bout with pneumonia and other associated illnesses. This was the last of many such bouts and the first to defeat him physically.

Cory was born on February 19, 1961, in Madison Wisconsin to Robert and Vergene (Flood) Hull. He attended and graduated from Plamann School in Appleton.

Cory was not a complainer. He gave away countless flirtatious smiles and patented goofy faces to those who knew and loved him.

Cory never met a person who wasn't better for knowing him. Born with Down Syndrome, he never said more than three or four words in a sitting. But he didn't have to. He was content sharing company and wisdom with anyone in need of a pick-me-up. Cory taught many, many people about the important things in life.

Cory taught us about patience. He taught us the value of eye contact and vigilance and the true meaning of resilience. He taught us how to read and use subtle communication clues (and also, for those of us too unfocused or uncaring to understand, about the real-time power and justice of a well-timed, playful punch.)

Cory taught us the value and beauty of caring for someone who could only reward kind efforts with the currency of a hug, the treasure of a smile. Cory taught us that not everything in our world makes sense, but that it doesn't need to. He gave us a deeper understanding of why we're here and of the nature of innocence.

This is not to say that Cory was perfect. But who is? Who doesn't need a mirror into our own limitations and a warning against the perils of feeling too smug about ourselves? Would any of us, given the chance, opt to go through life with Cory's conditions? Would we have the humility to approach a life where almost everyone else is stronger, faster and smarter than us? Cory wasn't given that choice, yet he sailed through a life of laughter and riddles and hugs and giggles that enriched his loved ones even as it evolved into a vicious spiral of chronic medical conditions, eventually robbing him of his gait, his mobility, the ability to swallow, and finally, to breathe.

Yet the perseverance of his smile, his ability to bring laughter and a higher appreciation of the real things in life, throughout the entirety of his life, remained even to his last breath, which was taken in the loving arms of two people blessed by him more than any other person they know.

He will be missed here. But those privileged with the opportunity to know Cory know how blessed our time with him was. Though he takes a piece of our heart with him, we know that he slid head first into heaven with an innocent soul, unscathed by the sin of mankind.

Cory lived the first 49 ½ years with his parents. After their passing, Cory's most loving sister, Pamela, watched over him and arranged for him to live in a wonderful group home, administered by Homes for Independent Living, where he received outstanding care and made many more friends. Cory is survived by his sister Pamela Hull and her fiancée John Chastain, both of Appleton; his aunt Myrtle Alice Traxler of Perris, CA and other relatives and friends.

We believe Cory is now the fastest, strongest, and smartest soul in Heaven, and that right now he's playing catch with his father, our Father, and Jesus. We just hope that if Jesus makes an error in the outfield, Cory doesn't punch him.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday morning from 9:00 until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Evansville, Wisconsin on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to Haven of Hope via Charitabli.com, https://charitab.li/causes/cordell-cory-hull-memorial-fund, or directly to Haven of Hope Day Care, 1000 W. Main St., Little Chute, WI 54140, phone: (920) 423-3066.