Richard E. Cornell of Teutopolis, IL, passed in peace on June 12, 2019 at the age of 78.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi in Teutopolis. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at the church with rosary at 6:30 p.m..

Born on August 31, 1940 in Effingham, IL to Joseph and Clara (Lawrence), Richard was the 13th of 14 children. He graduated from Effingham High School in 1958. A true story teller, Richard won the heart of Barbara Heuerman by keeping her laughing. The two were married on October 8, 1960 and had three children. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him. He was actively involved in their sporting events, academic successes, career successes, and life events.

Richard was a member of the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Council #2874, St. Francis of Assisi church, and was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. He enjoyed telling jokes, keeping others laughing, working in his yard, baking, and a good newsboy hat. He took a lot of pride working at Best Homes and National Building Systems. Years ago, he enjoyed bartending at Kenter's, and then in 1989 he opened the Brickbat during the Teutopolis Centennial.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; along with two children, Rick (Jean) Cornell of Teutopolis and Jeff (Jane) Cornell of Neoga; son-in-law, Jim Moon of Eureka, MO; 10 grandchildren, Laura Moon, Ashton (Jimmy) Magnus, Dustin Cornell, Travis (Lacy) Cornell, Courtney Cornell (David Shields), Mitchell Cornell, Alex Cornell, and Carson Cornell, step-grandchildren Phil (Mary) Goeckner, Tim Goeckner; 5 siblings, Herman (Deloris) Cornell, Tom (Doris) Cornell, Teresa Miller, Madonna Bushur, and Verena Niemerg; 6 great-grandchildren; and many other loving nieces, nephews, and relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter Kristina Moon; grandchild Christian Cornell; and 8 siblings.