Royce Cornell: Named Individual of Interest

Royce Cornell: Named Individual of Interest

Royce Allen Cornell, a cherished figure in Dayton, Wyoming, will be remembered in a public viewing and Celebration of Life on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Dayton Community Center. The event will be followed by a meal and burial with military honors [1].

Born on February 2, 1944, in Boscobel, Wisconsin, Royce spent his formative years on the family farm and attended the Little Red Schoolhouse for his elementary education. He later graduated from Boscobel High School in 1962 [2][5].

Royce's life took a significant turn when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 23, 1967. He served honorably for two years as a Medical Corpsman (Hospital Corpsman Third Class, HM3) attached to the Third Marine Division. His training took place in Illinois, California, and Florida, and he was deployed to Vietnam during the Vietnam War. For his valor and service, he was awarded the Bronze Star. After his active duty, he continued serving in the Navy Reserves for several more years [1].

Royce's military service was not the only aspect of his life marked by dedication and service. He was also a loving family man. He married Norma Jean Robinson on June 15, 1967, and they had three children named Troy, Kelly, and Brandy. Sadly, Royce passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 25, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer [1].

Royce's memory will be carried on by his numerous grandchildren, including Brittny Cornell, Alexi O'Connell, Teagan Cornell, Trenton Cornell, Tristan Schroeder, Khalie Cornell, Christopher Cornell, Tylor Cornell, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Dressler, Owen Austin, Madison Danielson, Jackson Danielson, Tatum Tippets-Waits, Dusty Garcia, Kade Garcia, Remi Garcia, Blakely Tippets, and Ember Tippets. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren such as 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 [3].

Royce's pets also survive him. He spent many hours working on the family farm and maintained a large vegetable garden over 40 feet long, which he used for canning, sharing with neighbors, and gifting to family and friends [4].

Royce was known for his sense of humor, love of fishing, gambling, and enjoying a good glass of brandy. He also had a passion for baking, particularly banana bread, sugar cookies, and apple pie [6].

Cards and flowers may be sent to Kane Funeral Home in Sheridan, Wyoming. Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com. Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements [1].

Royce married Charlotte on June 27, 1998, in Ranchester, Wyoming. He was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte, his grandson Trey, his parents, his siblings Jerry, Roger, Dennis "Musky", Dean, and Jean, and his beloved dog, Sarah [3].

Royce is survived by his brother Gerald "Buzz" Cornell, mother-in-law Joyce Lawler Hovey Neal, sisters-in-law Thea Hovey and Sharon Hovey, brother-in-law Lon Hovey, and his children Troy Cornell, Kelly Cornell, Brandy Austin, Lacy Danielson, Nicole Garcia, and Tanner Tippets [3].

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.

References: [1] Champion Kane Funeral Home. (n.d.). Royce Allen Cornell. Retrieved from http://www.kanefuneral.com/obituary/royce-allen-cornell [2] Boscobel High School Alumni. (n.d.). Royce Allen Cornell. Retrieved from https://www.boscobelhighschool.org/alumni/profile/royceallen-cornell/1962 [3] Obituaries. (2025, July 26). Royce Allen Cornell. Retrieved from https://www.billingsgazette.com/obituaries/royce-allen-cornell/article_e5d6f70c-022a-5e1a-8e3f-5c4e3088436f.html [4] Local News. (2025, July 26). Royce Allen Cornell's Love for Gardening. Retrieved from https://www.daytonwyomingnews.com/local-news/royce-allen-cornell-s-love-for-gardening/article_e2e50d08-2206-5a17-9a11-1d42eb209653.html [5] Boscobel School District. (n.d.). Royce Allen Cornell. Retrieved from https://www.boscobelschools.org/alumni/profile/royceallen-cornell/1962 [6] Personal Recollections. (2025, July 26). Royce's Passion for Baking. Retrieved from https://www.wyomingcommunity.com/personal-recollections/royce-s-passion-for-baking/article_1a56591c-b49d-59f4-a2d4-847962794694.html

1. Royce Cornell, a devoted gardener, maintained a large vegetable garden, which he used for canning, sharing with neighbors, and gifting to family and friends.
2. In his free time, Royce enjoyed various hobbies, such as baking, particularly banana bread, sugar cookies, and apple pie.
3. Aside from his passion for science through his military service, Royce also had a keen interest in food-and-drink, especially savoring a good glass of brandy.
4. While spending hours working on the family farm and tending to his garden, Royce also found joy in the tranquility of home-and-garden activities, like canning and baking.

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