Everett Gerald Cornett's Obituary
Everett Gerald “Jerry” Cornett passed away peacefully at his home in Remus, Michigan, on September 12, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on October 13, 1938, to Everett and Elsie Cornett, Jerry was a proud graduate of Hamilton High School, Class of 1956.
Jerry served his country in the U.S. Navy for three years and later became a journeyman electrician and millwright, spending much of his career at GM Fisher Body in Hamilton, Ohio, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1989, Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University.
After moving to Portage, Michigan, in 1966, Jerry later settled in Vicksburg in 1976. On September 8, 1980, he married the love of his life, Ann Travis Cornett. Together, they relocated to Remus, Michigan, in the 1990s, where they built their dream home on 80 acres on Doggit Lake, a home designed by Jerry’s beloved younger brother, Don Cornett.
Jerry was an avid outdoorsman who had a deep passion for hunting, fishing, and sports. For nearly his entire life, Jerry made an annual trip to Wyoming for elk hunting with his son, a tradition that brought them both immense joy and countless cherished memories. He also enjoyed playing golf and softball, and he took great pride in coaching Little League for a time. Jerry was a skilled craftsman and inventor, always tinkering and creating, finding ways to improve things around him. His love for the land, family, and the joy of building with his hands were a testament to his life well-lived. Jerry and Ann were also devoted University of Michigan football fans, always cheering on their Wolverines.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Ann Travis Cornett; his children, Jerry Cornett (Denise), Robin Venticinque (RJ), and Amy DeLaGarza (Tom); his grandchildren, Haylee Thomas (Ian), Kyler Cornett, Claire Hinton, Carrie Ann Cornett, Nicholas DeLaGarza, Jacob DeLaGarza, Christopher DeLaGarza, and Ava DeLaGarza; and his great-granddaughter, Frances Thomas. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his siblings Jean Barger (Robert), Joanne Ernst (Ray), Sandra Crook (Bill), Donald Cornett Sr. (Diane), his brother-in-law Paul Travis, and his sister-in-law Ruth Rankin.
A private family service will be held at home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Michigan in Jerry’s memory.
“A life lived in harmony with nature is a life well-spent.”
What’s your fondest memory of Everett?
What’s a lesson you learned from Everett?
Share a story where Everett's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Everett you’ll never forget.
How did Everett make you smile?