Archie Russell "Rusty" Cornell

Archie Russell "Rusty" Cornell

August 12, 1956 – October 28, 2026

Archie Russell Cornell, affectionately known to friends and family as Rusty or Russ, age 70, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 7:20 p.m.

Born in Rosiclare, Illinois, on August 12, 1956, Rusty was a hardworking man dedicated to his trade and community. He retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation and spent years working in coal mining and auto repair. Above all, his true professional passion was running his own logging company, where he felt most in his element working with his hands and the land.

Outside of work, Rusty had a lifelong love for horses, riding, and in his later years, taking peaceful buggy rides. He also enjoyed camping and boating, but these pastimes were always best when shared with his children and grandchildren.

To know Rusty was to know someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He had a big heart for others and a natural way of making people feel deeply cared for, often putting the needs of everyone else before his own. Whether helping a neighbor, showing up for family, or sharing his wisdom and stories, Rusty left an indelible impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Some of his family’s most treasured memories are rooted in those simple, ordinary moments like the quiet conversations, shared laughter, and everyday adventures that became the stories retold for years. Above all else, Rusty loved his family deeply. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the memories his family will carry in their hearts forever.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Janet (Potts) Cornell and Archie B. Cornell; his brother, Danny Joe Cornell; his sister, Nancy Smith; and his daughter, Shannon Cornell.

He is survived by his sons, Ross Cornell and Kalen Benjamin (Rachel); his daughters, Jessica Roberts (Wyatt) and Chelsea Jacobs (Mitch); his cherished grandchildren, Jana Adams (Justin Trago), Dustin Adams, Kale Benjamin, Kenna Benjamin, Jace Kiefer, Whitley Roberts, Warren Roberts, and Lydia Jacobs; his great-grandchildren, Everleigh Trago and Timmy Trago; and his brothers, Frank Cornell (Denise) and Wade Cornell.

A memorial service celebrating Rusty’s life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Hardin County Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stone Church Cemetery. Contributions will be accepted through the on-site donation box at the service or directly to the cemetery’s account at Banterra Bank in Rosiclare.