Corey was born August 10‚ 1988‚ in Du Quoin‚ Illinois. He was of Catholic faith. Corey was a lifelong resident of Du Quoin; he was a Du Quoin Indian football player. Corey grew up with his parents and his sister‚ Megon. He was a happy child who loved the outdoors; boating‚ fishing‚ and swimming were some of his favorite things to do as a boy. As he grew he became involved in weightlifting and achieved his dream of being a starting football player for his high school varsity football team.

Corey was married to Nichole Hoffner. They have a daughter‚ Camryn‚ and lost an infant son‚ Cayden. He was a proud father and husband and could often be heard saying‚ ‘I’m livin’ the dream.’ He and Nichole were buying a home. He worked very hard for General Tire.

Corey was always easy to find. He was either with Cam and Nichole‚ working out with Dad‚ or on the lake fishing when there were no fires to fight.

Corey was in Firefighter II class and still probationary when he was killed. He was raised around the Du Quoin Fire Department‚ where his father is chief. Corey’s dream was to fight fires and coach football; during his short life he did both. Corey loved being a firefighter and never missed a call or training session he was available for.

Corey loved his family-fishing with Uncle Ray‚ working in the shop with Uncle Mike‚ and hanging in the Everglades with Uncle Bill. He always had a special relationship with his Aunt Robin. He loved his cousins and his niece‚ Olivia. They aggravated each other to no end. He had many friends‚ but his best buddy‚ his ‘brother‚’ was his brother-in-law‚ Joe Provart. Corey could not have loved him more if was his actual brother‚ and the feeling was mutual.

Corey’s assistant principal‚ Jeff Gossett‚ often said Corey had an empathetic heart‚ and he did. As hard as he was on the outside‚ he was as tender as can be on the inside. Corey was a man’s man who was never afraid to say‚ ‘I love you‚’ to those he loved‚ and he loved many. Corey was known for his bright blue eyes and big toothy smile and as a friend you could count on. Corey was the son a man dreams of and a mother takes great pride in raising. He was a fine young man who will be missed terrifically and never forgotten.