Donald Eugene Cornett

Donald "Grandpa Don" Eugene Cornett, beloved husband, brother, father, stepfather, grandfather, veteran, volunteer, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Yuba City, CA, on May 12, 2026, at 83.

Born on March 15, 1943, in Sacramento, CA, to John and Vivian Wyatt Cornett, Don lived a life rooted in service, laughter, devotion to family, and deep love for the people around him.

He attended Grant High School before working various jobs around the Sacramento area as a young man, eventually answering a higher calling to serve his country.

Don proudly served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1972 during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged after his service.

A decorated combat veteran, Don was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and ultimately the Purple Heart.

Though humble about his military service, the courage, loyalty, and resilience that defined his time in Vietnam remained part of the man he would become throughout the rest of his life.

After returning home, Don worked for a service station before beginning a longtime career as a meat cutter.

Over the years he worked for several local grocery stores including Farmers Markets and Big Al's in Wheatland, CA, before eventually retiring from the commissary at Beale Air Force Base.

It was during his years as a meat cutter that Don met the love of his life, Mildred "Millie" Cornett.

He moved to Yuba City, CA, in 1978, and the two were married on July 24, 1979. Together they built nearly 40 wonderful years filled with laughter, adventure, family, and unconditional love until Millie's passing in 2017.

Don and Millie especially loved traveling together, making memories in Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, and countless destinations across the United States.

They enjoyed camping, meeting new people, and simply being together wherever life took them. Their home was always filled with family, warmth, humor, and an open-door spirit that made everyone feel welcome.

Following Millie's passing, Don once again turned his focus toward helping others and serving his community.

He joined the community volunteer program with the Yuba City Police Department and later became deeply involved with the Peach Bowl Lions Club, where he was serving his second term as President at the time of his passing. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Yuba City.

To know Don was truly to love him. His witty, quirky, and hilarious personality could light up any room.

Whether he was joking, dancing, talking about the San Francisco 49ers, cheering for the San Francisco Giants, watching NASCAR, or enjoying old Westerns and classic comedies, Don found joy in everyday life and shared that joy generously with others.

He had a remarkable ability to pull people into his world and make them feel like family.

More than anything, Don was a man of honor, loyalty, and unwavering devotion. If someone needed help, he was there, no questions asked.

His love for family and friends ran deep, and his impact on those around him will continue to be felt for generations.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Millie; parents, John and Vivian Cornett; brothers, Jim and John Cornett (Yaeko); brother-in-law, Roger Scott; step-sons, David and Larry Trigueiro; step-daughter, Cindy Trigueiro Crouch; and his beloved Shih Tzu companion and sidekick, Riley.

He is survived by his sister, Arvada Scott; brother, Floyd Cornett (Maralon); sister-in-law, Margaret Cornett; children, David and Steven Cornett, and Barbara Smith; step-children, Gail Davis, Bruce Trigueiro, Julie Morehead (Joe); daughter-in-law, Linda Trigueiro;17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews, along with countless friends whose lives were better because Don was part of them.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 9 AM, at Sutter Cemetery

Don's family finds comfort in knowing that his laughter, kindness, service, and love for others leave behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.