Russell "Terry" T. Cornett

Russell T. (Terry) Cornett, 80 of Liberty passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026. He was born on April 14, 1946 in Richmond, Indiana to Russell R. Cornett and Louise Greye Cornett.

He served over 26 years active duty, and retired Sergeant Major. He spent two tours of duty in Viet Nam. In 1968 he served with B-52 Project Delta, 5" Special Forces Group as a Recon team member. In (1970-1971) he served with US MACV MR 60th Ranger Battalion, boarder camp operations as a Light Infantry Weapons Advisor. During Desert Storm/Shield he served with the 24" Mechanized Infantry Division as the Provost Sergeant Major.

His other overseas assignments included 3 tours of duty in Germany. His 1s tour was with Battery B 4 MSL Bn 57" Artillery as a Track mechanic; the second tour he spent as a Military Policeman with the 59th MP Battalion. On his 3° tour of duty he was a Security Operations Sergeant (Nuclear) Security, First Sergeant 525*h Ordinance Company Nuclear) and First Sergeant 556 MP Company (Nuclear) Security.

His stateside assignments were at Fort Polk, Louisiana as a Drill Sergeant and Military Policeman, and Fort Stewart, Georgia as a First Sergeant and Provost Sergeant Major. The other stateside assignments were for training.

His awards include the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, RVN Cross of Gallantry w/palm, RVN Ranger Badge that he received during combat action against VC-NVA forces.

He also received The Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals (2), Army Commendation Medals (3), Army Achievement Medals (2), Good Conduct Medals (7), National Defense Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with three (3) Stars, NCO Development Ribbon with number 3, Saudi Arabia Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with number 2, Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster, numerous Badges, Plaques, and Certificates.

He retired from active duty in 1991 and attended the Georgia Public Safety (Police Academy, Intoximeter Breath Device (Georgia), DUI Detection, Radar Speed Detection Device Operator (Georgia), Basic Supervision and Georgia Emergency Management Agency. He served as a Patrol Officer with the Midway Georgia Police Department. He worked as a Security Manager for The Edward J. Debartolo Corp., and in 1996 he graduated from The Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He later became certified as a Breath Test Operator (Indiana).

He retired after 13 years as a Sergeant and was sworn officer of the Liberty Police Department for the town of Liberty.

He and his wife, Patricia, spent a good portion of their lives in Union County. They have nine children, with 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was always willing to help anyone, even when he was off duty as a police officer. He was a very honest and fair person. He was not only a great PEACE officer; he was a fun-loving human being. His love for his family and friends never ended. He was loyal to his community and country as he as when he was a Green Beret.

Friends and family may visit on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Liberty Church of Nazarene, 220 W. High St., Liberty, Indiana 47353. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm at the church with Jeff Adams officiating. A graveside service with burial of the cremated remains will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 11:00 am at Abington Cemetery.

Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Cornett family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Help the Animals, Inc, 201 W. Main St., Richmond, Indiana and/or Liberty Acres United Rescue Animal Sanctuary, 3546 E. Mitchell Rd, Liberty, Indiana 47353.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.