Robert Charles Cornett

Robert Charles (Bob) Cornett, of Albuquerque, passed away peacefully at his home, on April 1, 2022. He was 69 years old.

Bob was born on Tuesday, November 18, 1952, in Centerville, Iowa to Josephine Ray and Wilbur Lee Cornett. He grew up in the small southeast Iowa town of Moulton. Bob was a very curious child. He was a proficient reader and enjoyed writing. He loved science and could often be found experimenting with chemistry sets and working on model rocket kits. He was an adventurous young boy, who spent time in Cub Scouts, collecting G.I. Joe action figures, shooting his BB guns, and learning how to hunt and fish.

In his school years, Bob excelled in academics. He graduated with honors, and received his diploma from Moulton-Udell High School, in 1971. Bob furthered his education at the University of Iowa, where he took Air Force ROTC, and graduated in 1975. During his college years, Bob met his first wife, Debbie, and they were married in 1974. To this union, a daughter, Shannon, was born. Also, during this time, Bob met his future writing partner, Kevin Randle. The pair began investigating unidentified flying objects. They went on to write dozens of books together in the military and science-fiction genres.

Bob lived in Iowa City after graduation, eventually returning to his hometown of Moulton. He continued to write books and worked as a newspaper columnist for the Ottumwa Courier. He enjoyed helping people and began a career in emergency medical services. Bob was proud to be a paramedic and a volunteer firefighter. He went on to become an instructor. It was at this stage of life that Bob met his wife, Mary Ann, who was also a paramedic. She joined the family with her two children, Kathy and Brian. The couple married on August 24, 1991. Bob spent his remaining years in Iowa delivering mail as a rural letter carrier. He served routes in Moulton and Albia.

In 2007, Bob achieved a long-time dream by moving to Albuquerque with Mary Ann. He enjoyed being close to his mother-in-law, Lois, and brother-in-law, Fred. Bob kept active in retirement. He served as a museum docent, engaged as a Ham radio operator, helped with volunteer opportunities, and spent hours at the shooting range. Even when his health declined, Bob delighted in connecting with friends, traveling when able, and being near his beloved New Mexico mountains.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Cornett; daughter, Shannon Cornett Glass (Kirk); stepdaughter, Kathy Lenth (Kristen); stepson, Brian Lenth (Lydia Crowe); grandchildren, Alexander Free, Jackson Free, Jacob Free, Noah Free, Cassidy Free, Wesley Lenth, and Stephen Lenth; brother-in-law, Fred Ream; sister, Mary Beth DeCook; nieces, Crissy Silvers (Gregg), Robin DeCook, Rachel Foglesong (Miles); nephews, Daniel DeCook and Jason DeCook; and many extended friends and family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eugene Taylor McCoy and Chester Lee Cornett; infant sister, Kae Cornett; mother-in-law, Lois Ream; brother-in-law, Bruce DeCook; and sister-in-law, Janice Cornett.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 15, 2022, Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH-University. For those unable to attend the service it will be live streamed below. Burial will follow at Mountain Valley Cemetery in Edgewood, New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Bob's memory to your local rescue department, animal shelter, or favorite museum.

The Family would like to invite you to read Tributes from MaryAnn Cornett and Shannon Cornett Glass listed below as well as a writing by Kevin D. Randle

https://saperebooks.com/blog/remembering-bob-cornett-by-kevin-d-randle/?msclkid=ceec054ebc2011ec858d47245d9dcdfc