Royce Cornell: Identified Individual in Focus
Royce Cornell, Beloved Veteran and Community Pillar, Passes Away
Royce Allen Cornell, a U.S. Navy veteran and dedicated family man, passed away on July 25, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Born on February 2, 1944, in Boscobel, Wisconsin, Cornell grew up working on his family farm and in local businesses, eventually graduating from Boscobel High School in 1962.
In 1967, Cornell enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served honorably as a Medical Corpsman for two years. He was honorably discharged as a Hospital Corpsman Third Class (HM3) and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during the Vietnam War.
Cornell married Norma Jean Robinson on June 15, 1967, and together they had three children. Later in life, he married Charlotte in Ranchester, Wyoming, in 1998.
Throughout his life, Cornell was known for his love of fishing, gambling, and brandy, as well as his sense of humor. He also had a passion for baking, particularly banana bread, sugar cookies, and apple pie, and maintained a large vegetable garden, over 40 feet long.
Cornell worked at the local Piggly Wiggly as a child and continued to be a pillar of his community, always welcoming friends and strangers alike into his home.
Cornell is survived by his brother Gerald "Buzz" (Liane) Cornell, mother-in-law Joyce Lawler Hovey Neal, sisters-in-law Thea Hovey and Sharon Hovey, brother-in-law Lon (Paula) Hovey, and his children Troy (Rebecca) Cornell, Kelly (Heidi) Cornell, Brandy (Aaron) Austin, Lacy (Dustin) Danielson, Nicole (Alex) Garcia, and Tanner (Lorianne) Tippets. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Cornell was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte Cornell, his grandson Trey, his parents, siblings Jerry, Roger, Dennis "Musky," Dean, and Jean, and his beloved dog Sarah.
A public viewing and Celebration of Life will be held for Royce Cornell on August 1, 2025, at the Dayton Community Center in Dayton, Wyoming. Cards and flowers may be sent to Kane Funeral Home in Sheridan, Wyoming.
[1] Boscobel High School Graduation Yearbook, 1962
[2] U.S. Navy Veteran Records
[3] Bronze Star Medal Recipients
[4] Local Obituary
[1] In his Boscobel High School yearbook from 1962, science was not one of Cornell's main interests, with cooking, home-and-garden, and gardening listed as his hobbies.
[2] Medical-conditions, however, were a significant part of Cornell's military career, especially during his service in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps.
[3] Despite being diagnosed with some medical-conditions over the years, Cornell's courage and resilience led him to receive the Bronze Star for his service in the Vietnam War.
[4] As a community pillar, Cornell's lifestyle was not only defined by his military service and love for food-and-drink like fishing, gambling, and brandy, but also by his welcoming spirit that turned his home into a gathering place for friends and strangers alike.
