Charles Kenneth “Chuck” Cornell, 91, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 3:33 P.M. Saturday June 21, 2025, at his home. He was born on November 22, 1933, in Rossville, IL, the son of Arthur O. and Hattie (Bertram) Cornell. He married Charlotte Lucille Wagoner on November 24, 1954, at the Antioch Church of Christ. She preceded him in death on November 18, 2013.
He is survived by five children, Philip Charles (Carolyn) Cornell of Moore, OK, Alice (Laurence) Huffman of Woodland, IL, Don (Lori) Cornell of Rossville, IL, Dennis (Janice) Cornell of Pasadena, MD, and Debra Powell of Bloomington, IL; four sisters, Arthina Street of LA, Dorothy Swan of Paxton, IL, Carolyn (Jack) Haltiwanger of Potomac, IL, and Sharon (Jim) Pollitt of Potomac, IL; two sisters-in-law, Marlene Cornell of Westville, IL and Susie Cornell of MN; two brothers, Bob Cornell of Alexis, IL and Melvin (Tina) Cornell of Danville, IL; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Francis (George) Cox, Helen (Jack) Bergman and Beverly (Bob) Wallace; two brothers, Ray Cornell and Dean Cornell; sister-in-law, Virginia Cornell; and brother-in-law, Don Street.
Charles worked at FMC in Hoopeston as an assembler. He also started working with his father, Arthur, as a movie projectionist at the Times Theater and Skyway Drive-In movie theater. He later helped his father at Cornell’s Garage working on small engines like mowers and weed eaters. Chuck also owned and operated Art’s Paperback Exchange in Rossville for 17 years. He served in the United States Army from March 1954-March 1957. He also dedicated 32 years serving as a Trustee on the Village of Rossville board where he helped stock 900 fish in the Rossville pond during his term. Chuck enjoyed his time volunteering at the Morning Star Food Pantry for several years. He was also a very good wood crafter and enjoyed making birdhouses, squirrel feeders, and wishing wells.
A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, at the funeral home with Rev. Frank Laci officiating. Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Chuck to Carle Hospice.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Chuck’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
