HOISINGTON — Brett Michael Cornwell, age 58, passed away at his home in Hollister, Mo., on Dec. 4, 2024.
Brett was born Nov. 18, 1966, to James “Jim” Sr. and Jannette (Harris) Cornwell in Hoisington, Kan. He was the youngest of four children.
Brett grew up in Hoisington and he knew no stranger. At a young age, Brett would pull his wagon around the neighborhood and upon returning, he would have his wagon full of vegetables. Brett learned the meaning of work at a young age. He would make money by mowing lawns, collecting and selling cans, and working paper routes. Brett always had money, which prompted his siblings to ask him for a loan. Brett was a wheeler-n-dealer and always devised a new scheme to make money.
Brett loved to watch All-Star Wrestling and would try various moves on his siblings. They learned early on not to let Brett get his legs around them as he would squeeze until they begged him to release them. Brett also participated in the kids wrestling program in Hoisington. During his high school years, Brett played American Legion baseball. He was a pitcher and could pitch a ball at 80+ mph.
Brett loved animals and always had several pets at a time. He had dogs, cats, chickens, horses, and even an opossum. He even once tried to get his dad to catch him a baby raccoon.
Brett loved spending time with his children. He loved reminiscing and telling stories about taking them hunting for “dinosaur eggs,” getting him out of speeding tickets, and teaching them about the outdoors.
Brett loved his nieces and nephews, teasing and roughhousing with them whenever possible. They can still hear his memorable laugh.
Brett graduated from Hoisington High School in 1985. Brett then attended Salina VoTech, where he graduated with a degree in Auto Mechanics. Brett worked at various jobs throughout his life including Walmart in Salina, Kan., Walmart in Great Bend, Kan., Conklin Cars in Hutchinson, Kan., Sprint United in Salina, Kan., Money Chevrolet in Hill City, Kan., and most recently, Walmart in Branson, Mo. He worked a total of 21 dedicated years for Walmart.
Brett loved investing time with his family and friends; being outdoors; working on cars; collecting guns, matchbox cars, and sports cards; and was a dedicated Kansas City Chiefs fan.
Brett is preceded in death by his parents, James “Jim” Sr. and Jan Cornwell. He is survived by his daughter, Chelsea Cornwell of Lawrence, Kan.; son, Dakota Cornwell of Salina, Kan.; sister, Terri Szendrodi of Hoisington, Kan.; sister, Sherri Jackson and husband, Danny of Hill City, Kan.; brother, James Jr. (Bo) Cornwell and wife, Kim of Jenera, Ohio; former spouse, Kathy (Nora) Brown; 11 nieces and nephews; 16 great-nieces and nephews; as well as countless friends and family who were blessed to have known him.
The celebration of life to take place in Hoisington, Kan., at a later date, with burial to follow in Kiowa, Kan. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 19, 2024
