Kerry Dennis Cornell of DeWitt, MI, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026. He was born on December 23, 1948, in Lansing, MI, to John and Rebecca Cornell. They both preceded him in death. Kerry graduated from Eastern High School, worked at Michigan State University, and went on to serve his country as a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict.
Kerry was known for his love of God, his jokester’s laugh, and his unique personality. He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, sports cars, architecture, hunting, and music. One memorable adventure during his time in the Navy was riding his Kawasaki 500 approximately 800 miles from his base in Newport, Rhode Island, to his home in Lansing, Michigan. A fan of music from the 1960s and 1970s, Kerry especially enjoyed Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Beatles.
Kerry also cherished time at his family’s cottage in Mesick, MI. He designed the cottage and helped construct it during leave from the Navy, making it a meaningful place for family and memories.
Kerry is survived by his sisters, Connie (David) Dennis and Denise (John) Shaver, and his brother, John Henry Cornell, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Sherril (Al) Badgley and Lurenea (Henry) Turcotte, and his brothers, Charles Cornell and Owen Lynn Cornell.
He will be remembered by his family for the moments they shared, the stories that made them laugh, and the memories that remain.
A celebration of life service will be held at Gorsline-Runciman DeWitt Chapel on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior beginning at 10 AM.
A graveside service will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, with a luncheon immediately following.
