Vernon Arthur Cornett, 80, of Greensburg, KY, son of the late Joda and Lonnie Riddle Cornett, was born on January 19, 1944 in Gordon, KY and departed this life on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, KY.

Mr. Cornett had made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of Broadway Church of Christ. He was a farmer and member of the Green County Cattleman’s Association. He enjoyed raising a large garden and especially planting sunflowers and zinnias with his granddaughter, Jody.

Mr. Cornett graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Political Science. He briefly taught school, did social work and became Personnel Manager of Island Creek Coal Company. Then, he continued his career as General Manager of W.P. Steel in West Virginia. He retired to a farm in Green County, Kentucky where he was an accomplished mule trainer and sold mules all over the country. To many he was simply known as “the mule man,” which not only describes his passion for his work, but also his expertise for training quality mules. In an article published in Kentucky Living magazine entitled “Mule Man,” the author describes Vernon, as “consistent, gifted, skilled and dedicated.” 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Browning Cornett, on June 26, 2023.

SURVIVORS:

1 daughter: Jo Ella Mallory of Campbellsville

1 stepdaughter: Ashlee Owen (Russell) of West Virginia

1 stepson: Michael Williamson (Lin) of Erlanger, KY

1 granddaughter: Jody Mallory

2 step-grandchildren: James Michael Owen and Taylor McClelland

1 step-great-grandchild: Peyton McClelland

2 sisters & a brother-in-law: Ruth Ann Miller of Jackson, KY and Pauline & James Brewer of Beattyville, KY

Special friends & neighbors: Jeff “Hammer” Young, Mark Sweazy and Dan Hedgespeth

A host of other relatives & friends

He was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his daughter, Norma Jean Jeffrey Cornett, and one brother-in-law, Tom Miller.

Graveside service: Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 12:00pmCT (1:00pmET) at the Cornett Family Cemetery in Gordon, KY with Chris Clark officiating

Visitation: Friday from 4:00pm-8:00pmCT at Gupton-Landrum Funeral Home in Greensburg

Expressions of sympathy are requested to be made in the form of donations to the Parkinson Foundation, which can be made at the funeral home.

Gupton-Landrum Funeral Home in Greensburg is in charge of the arrangements.