Steven A Cornett

Steven Almon Cornett, age 64, of Danville, Illinois, passed away on May 27, 2026.

Born on December 2, 1961, in Danville, Illinois, to Coy and Nancy Cornett, Steve lived a life marked by integrity, hard work, generosity, loyalty, and an unforgettable sense of humor. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, whether they were lifelong friends or someone he had just met. His quick wit, infectious laugh, and larger-than-life personality made him the kind of person people naturally gravitated towards.

Steve graduated from Danville High School in 1980 and received his associates degree from DACC. He started his career on the fire department, followed by being an EMT before he became a police officer, where he dedicated more than three decades of service, serving from 1984 until his retirement in 2017. Retirement may have marked the end of one career, but it certainly didn't slow him down. He was previously a Deputy Coroner, a firearm instructor, and most recently, he was a semi-truck driver for Ribbe Trucking.

Outside of work, Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting pool, and traveling. He loved gathering with family and friends, sharing stories, cracking jokes, and making memories. He was a storyteller at heart, known for sharing elaborate tales that could leave a room hanging on every word or doubled over with laughter. Whether the stories grew a little with each telling was often up for debate, but that only made them better.

More than anything, Steve cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the person people called when they needed help, advice, or simply someone to listen. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and some of his greatest joys came from spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 38 years, Charlene; his children, Rick Wagner, Myretta Fitzsimmons, Amanda Overmyer (Rory), Jodi Davis (Lawrence), Stephanie (Brian Bailey), and Tricia (Donnie McKinney); his grandchildren, Andru, Ricky, Joey, Summer, Lawrence Jr., Weston, Peyton, Jaila, Walker, Pierce, Teagan, Sam, Landry, and Harrison; his great-granddaughter, Aurora; his siblings, Coy Cornett Jr., Dave Cornett (Debbie), Sherry Singleton (Bob), and Dave Elmore (Tammy); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy and Coy Cornett; his in-laws, Jerry and Joyce Elmore; his brother-in-law, Denny Elmore; his sister-in-law, Debbie Sheets; and a grandson, Wyatt Bailey.

Those who knew Steve will remember his booming laugh, his gift for storytelling, his generous heart, and his ability to find humor in almost any situation. He leaves behind a legacy not measured by accomplishments alone, but by the countless lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 1, 2026 at 3pm, at Vermilion Valley Vineyard, 3733 Poolside Drive, Danville, Illinois 61832.

Steve will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

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