Brent Allan “Sarge” Cornell, 59 of Taylorville passed away at 5:46am on Friday, June 11, 2021, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 11, 1962, in Taylorville, the son of Walter Allan and Dorothy Joan (Hardy) Cornell. He married Janelle Joyce Miller on June 6, 1998, in Taylorville. Brent proudly served his country for 11 years with the U.S. Army spending time at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and Ft. Riley, Kansas and 2 tours of duty in Germany. Having achieved the rank of Sergeant in the army, he was known by all as Sarge. Following his time in the service, Sarge worked for 26 years as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. During his time with the post office, he served as Union Steward of NALC Local 88 and proudly led the letter carrier’s food drive for many years. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Sarge enjoyed sports, playing basketball for several years and softball for his entire life. Brent enjoyed hunting, taking part in many trips with his father and friends. One of his greatest passions was riding his Honda Goldwing. Since 2008, Sarge has ridden more than 300,000 miles and has ridden his bike in 49 states. He loved his time on the open road, especially finding interesting places to eat. He was a member of the Iron Butt Association, and once rode coast to coast in 45 hours and completed a ride from the Arctic Circle in Alaska to Key West, Florida. Sarge enjoyed cooking and barbequing, he even won awards for his creations while competing in the Men Who Cook competition at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital. He always enjoyed entertaining. Whether it was singing Johnny Cash karaoke, or doing his favorite John Wayne imitations, Sarge loved to make others smile. More than anything, he was devoted to his wife, kids, and grandkids.

Brent is survived by his wife: Janelle Cornell of Taylorville; children: Justin Cornell (Erika) of Rochester, Brian Cornell (Molly Spurgin) of Napa, California, Katie Cornell (Walker Siempelkamp) of Stonington, Julie Lauffenburger of Boston, Massachusetts, and Wendy Lauffenburger of Benson, North Carolina; grandchildren: Roman Cornell, Leo Cornell, Asher Cornell, Murphy Siempelkamp, Gwen Siempelkamp, Duane Ray, and another on-the-way; sister: Stacey Cornell of Champaign; and aunts: Karen Cornell of Taylorville and June (Nick) Hardy of Henderson, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The visitation for Brent will take place from 4 until 7pm on Monday, June 14, 2021, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 930 Haner St., Taylorville. The funeral service will take place at 11am on Tuesday, at the church with Pastor Steve Switzer officiating. Everyone attending the funeral is encouraged to wear casual, patriotic-colored attire. Those attending the funeral and visitation are invited to bring their favorite travel related sticker to place on Sarge’s casket. Following the funeral, family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon at the church. At 1:15pm, a procession including the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders and other motorcycles, will depart the church enroute to Camp Butler National Cemetery where Sarge will be laid to rest with military honors. Any motorcycle rider is encouraged to take part in the procession. Memorials in his honor may be left to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, Taylorville Food Pantry, or the Calvary Baptist Church. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Brent, or condolences to his family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.