ST JOHN — Rick Cornwell of St. John passed away on May 17, 2021, surrounded by his children. Born on June 15, 1949 to Jack and June Cornwell, Rick grew up on his family farm in St. John, Kan.  

After graduating from St. John High School, he attended Kansas State University where he was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity. Rick pursued his passion for cattle and was active on Kansas State University’s meat and livestock judging teams. He regularly placed at national shows and won high individual at the American Royal in meats judging. Rick also served in the Kansas Air National Guard as a military policeman. He graduated with a degree in animal science before returning home to Cornwell Farms. 

In 1982, Rick married his love, Gayle. They made a home in the country where they raised three children, Jeff, Casey, and Bethany. Their happiest times were spent driving the pastures together. Rick loved bragging about his children to anyone who would listen, and to those who wouldn’t.  

Rick had a natural talent for raising cattle. He judged many stock shows over the course of his life and served on the Kansas Angus Association Board. He loved every aspect of raising cattle with his brother Joe and nephew Ty and contributing seedstock to the cattle industry. He was extremely passionate but humble about his work.

Rick’s love for his cattle was second only to the love for his family. Rick lived his life according to the Code of the West, a collection of principles displayed by the American Cowboy including tenets such as taking pride in your work, always finishing what you start, and doing what has to be done.  

Rick is survived by his children Jeff (Sarah) Cornwell, Casey (Charley) Forsyth, and Bethany (Scott) Krehbiel; eight grandchildren; his brother Joe Cornwell and family; and sister Martha Riddell and family. Being apart for only a few months, Rick has now joined his wife Gayle. He was also preceded in death by his father and mother.  

Friends are invited for visitation on Friday, May 21 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Minnis Chapel in St. John, Kan. Services will be held Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m. at the St. John First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Stafford County Fair Association (beef barn improvements), c/o Minnis Chapel, P.O. Box 34, St. John, KS 67576.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel 

P.O. Box 34 

St. John, KS 67576

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 21, 2021