Charlie Lonnie Cornett

Charlie Lonnie Cornett
June 6, 1938 - July 1, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Charlie Lonnie Cornett announces his passing at the age of 86 on 1 July 2024 in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Charlie was born on June 6, 1938, in Welch, McDowell County, West Virginia, to Charlie Peyton & Elizabeth Viginia (White) Cornett. It was during his formative years in the foothills of the Blue Mountains that Charlie became an avid hunter and a skilled marksman, and will always be remembered for his sharp aim, passion for youth hunter education, and deep love for nature.

Charlie graduated Valedictorian from Northfork Elkhorn High School in 1956, and immediately moved to Morgantown, West Viginia to attend West Virginia University. At WVU he joined ROTC, and in 1960 he matriculated (with honors) with a bachelor's degree in engineering. Charlie immediately joined the Army and served four tours overseas in Vietnam,Laos,and Thailand where he earned, among other decorations, the Air Medal for heroic actions landing a transport plane under fire.

Charlie would remain a proud veteran who served his country with honor, embodying strength and resilience throughout his life. Coinciding with his tours of duty, Charlie continued his studies,graduating with a master's degree in electrical engineering from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.He was promoted to the rank of Major,and eventually stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona which coincided with the birth of this only son, Lynn. Charlie was Honorably discharged from active duty in 1978,and stayed working at Fort Huachuca as a DOD civilian until his retirement at the start of the millennium in 2000.

During his retirement, Charlie never stayed idle, and his passions included shooting sports, hunting, fishing, golf, and most importantly youth education on firearms safety and hunting. Charlie was deeply involved in Arizona Game & Fish hunter education in southeastern Arizona as well as various events in the Scholastic Clay Target Program. He made generous contributions throughout his life to various organizations like National WildTurkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Rifle Association, and Safari Club International as well as supporting wildlife conservation efforts.

He is survived by his only child, Carrol Lynn Cornett,a sister Linda Louise Cornett,three cherished grandchildren Julia, Ryan,and Marissa Cornett, and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom will miss him deeply.

Charlie's love for the outdoors and his commitment to his family will always be remembered. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at Southern Arizona Veterans Cemetery, at 1300 S. Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 on 25 October 2024 at 14:00.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charlie Lonnie Cornett, please visit our floral store.