Shivangi Sinha
Cecil Cornish was just a teenager when the devastating tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri, in May 2011. He was at his workplace when the storm hit, and despite the fear that gripped him, he quickly gathered his composure. Prioritizing the safety of others, he helped the customers around him before finding shelter for himself. In those terrifying moments, Cecil genuinely believed it might be his last day alive, feeling as though the world was ending. In Netflix’s ‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm,’ he opened up about the fear and chaos he experienced, providing a firsthand account of what it was like to witness the storm’s destructive force.
Cecil Cornish Rushed to His Customers’ Aid When the Tornado Hit
Cecil Ryan Cornish grew up in a deeply religious environment, and like the rest of his family, he had unwavering faith in God. However, coming to terms with his identity as a gay person created an internal conflict that left him feeling deeply conflicted. The struggle between his religious beliefs and his true self weighed heavily on him. He recalled facing frequent bullying and being targeted by other kids at school, making his teenage years particularly challenging. Cecil often found himself wondering when God would take him away from Joplin, Missouri — the town he had grown up in and the only place he had ever known as home.
On May 22, 2011, 17-year-old Cecil was working at the Cherry Berry frozen yogurt shop when the weather took a turn. Although he was aware of the tornado warnings, witnessing the storm’s intensity firsthand made him realize it was far from ordinary. Furniture from outside was lifted and tossed into the air, and he immediately urged the customers to seek shelter. Every safety drill he had learned at school flashed through his mind as he directed people to take cover in the bathrooms. After ensuring the customers were safe, he and his coworkers retreated to the back room. As the tornado roared overhead, he vividly recalled the terrifying experience, saying it felt as though he was moments away from being swept away himself.
Surviving the ordeal left him in disbelief, overwhelmed by the realization that he had made it through. The next thing on his mind was to make sure that his parents were okay. He drove with his coworker and discovered that his parents’ apartment had been shattered. Feeling like he had lost them, he immediately made his way to the hospital. He described what he saw during the devastation as something out of a war film. When he finally received a text from his mother saying that they were okay, relief washed over him, and he rushed to reunite with them.
Cecil Cornish is Making Strides in the Marketing Industry Today
In 2012, when Cecil Cornish graduated from Joplin High School, he was honored to be addressed by then-President Barack Obama. From that moment, he pursued his career with determination and never looked back. In 2013, he enrolled at Ozarks Technical Community College to study Graphic Design and later transferred to Drury University. He graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic and Digital Design. Cecil always knew he had a creative streak, and while studying, he began working at Legacy Studios as their Studio Photographer, further honing his skills.
Cecil expanded his career by joining O’Reilly Auto Parts as a commercial photographer, where he produced high-quality images of auto parts for marketing purposes. Over time, he took on various roles, including Design Coordinator at Burrell Behavioral Health, and also worked seasonally as a Video Producer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Currently, he is a versatile professional working as a Freelance Marketing Manager in Joplin, Missouri. His responsibilities include social media content creation, video production, and direction, managing email campaigns and lists, and developing both internal and external newsletters.
Cecil Cornish and His Husband Are Quite Active in Their Community
Cecil Cornish has found love with Landan, a fellow photographer and graphic designer. The couple tied the knot on October 10, 2020, and have built a beautiful, loving home together. They are surrounded by a strong circle of friends, many of whom are also part of the LGBTQ+ community. This supportive network provides them with strength and encouragement, which Cecil deeply values. Dedicated to giving back, he is an active member of his community. Since December 2024, he has served as a Safe Place Coordinator at Youth In Need, offering support and resources to young people in crisis.
Additionally, he volunteers extensively, holding the position of Chair at JOMO EQ, a civil rights and social action organization. He also serves on the board of PFLAG National/Straight for Equality, advocating for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies in Southwest Missouri. Cecil and Landan inspire each other to grow and make a positive impact. He also holds a patient cultivation card, has been a medical marijuana patient since 2022, and has been an active proponent of its medicinal use. While the former has openly shared his struggles with PTSD and how the sound of rain can trigger memories of the tornado and the chaos that followed, he acknowledges how far he has come. He’s proud of the life he has built and remains grateful for the love and resilience that have guided his journey.
Read More: Steven Weersing: Where is the Joplin Tornado Survivor Now?
