Royce Cornell

Royce Allen Cornell passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 25, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Royce was born on February 2, 1944, in Boscobel, Wisconsin, to Toay “Tony” and Olinda Marie Chilson Cornell. As a child, he walked to the Little Red Schoolhouse for his elementary education and later graduated from Boscobel High School in 1962. Throughout his youth, he spent many hours working on the family farm. While in high school, Royce also worked at the local Piggly Wiggly, where he once delighted area children by arriving via helicopter dressed as Santa Claus.

After high school and student teaching, Royce married Norma Jean Robinson at the Methodist Church in Boscobel on June 15, 1967. They had three children: Troy, Kelly, and Brandy.

Royce enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 23, 1967, and served honorably for two years as a Medical Corpsman attached to the Third Marine Division. His training took him to Illinois, California, and Florida, and he was later deployed to Vietnam during the Vietnam War. For his service, he received the Bronze Star and was honorably discharged as a Hospital Corpsman Third Class (HM3). He continued his service in the Reserves for several years.

Royce was deeply involved in his community and gave back in many ways. He volunteered for organizations such as the Jaycees and the Self Help Home Program, helping families build homes. It was during this time that he discovered his love for woodworking, which grew into a passion for building for others.

In the early 1990s, Royce visited Wyoming and quickly fell in love with the area. There, he met the love of his life, Charlotte. They were married on June 27, 1998, in Ranchester, Wyoming. That same day, Royce welcomed Charlotte’s children—Lacy, Nicole, and Tanner—into his life as his own. Together, they shared many happy years building homes in the Tongue River Valley, traveling to see family, and watching their grandchildren grow.

One of their most cherished memories was a trip to Florida with friends Randy and Jenny, where they enjoyed the ocean and spotted dolphins and manatees.

Royce loved baking, especially banana bread, sugar cookies, and apple pie. He also took great pride in his large vegetable garden—over 40 feet long—which he would can, share with neighbors, or gift to family and friends. Royce had a heart for helping others and never hesitated to lend a hand or offer support to anyone in need. He was known for his sense of humor, love of fishing, gambling, and enjoying a good glass of brandy. His home was always open, and he made everyone feel welcome—friends and strangers alike.

Royce was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Cornell; his parents; his siblings Jerry (infant), Roger, Dennis “Musky,” Dean, and Jean; his grandson Trey; and his beloved dog, Sarah.

He 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 is also survived by his grandchildren: Brittny (Nathan Scheveck) Cornell, Alexi (Dustin) O’Connell, Teagan (Autumn) Cornell, Trenton Cornell, Tristan (Takara Vangn) Schroeder, Khalie Cornell, Christopher (Tabitha) Cornell, Tylor Cornell, Elizabeth “Lizzy” (Eric) Dressler, Owen (Kaitlyn Reed) Austin, Madison Danielson, Jackson Danielson, Tatum Tippets-Waits, Dusty Garcia, Kade Garcia, Remi Garcia, Blakely Tippets, and Ember Tippets.

Royce’s great-grandchildren include Heath O’Connell, Weston O’Connell, Elijah O’Connell, Aubrey Cornell, Broxton Cornell, Greyson Cornell, Ellie Cornell, Alania Cornell, Jayce Cornell, Everly Cornell, Lilian Dressler, Remington Dressler, and McCoy Schroeder. He is also survived by his beloved pets.

A public viewing and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Dayton Community Center in Dayton, Wyoming, followed by a meal and burial with military honors.

Cards and flowers may be sent to Kane Funeral Home in Sheridan, Wyoming. A Celebration of Life in Wisconsin will be planned at a later date.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.