Garth F. Cornell

JEFFERSON – Garth F. Cornell, 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at his home.

Born December 31, 1954, in Ashtabula, Ohio, he was the son of Robert J. and Donna M. (Durst) Cornell.

A 1973 graduate of Jefferson High School, Garth went on to earn his degree in broadcast journalism from Ohio University, launching what would become a remarkable 52-year career behind the microphone. Known throughout Ashtabula County as a trusted and familiar voice, Garth’s passion for radio was unmistakable. He had a natural gift for connecting with listeners—whether sharing music, telling stories, or engaging the community in meaningful conversation.

Over the decades, he brought his talent and steady presence to several stations, including WAQI, WREO, K104 in Erie, and most recently WKKY, where he dedicated the past 36 years of his career. His programs, including The Garth Cornell Show, Country Sunday Morning, and Talk Back, became staples for listeners who appreciated not just his professionalism, but his warmth, wit, and authenticity. Broadcasting was never just a job for Garth—it was a calling, and his voice became part of the rhythm of daily life for so many in the region.

On June 26, 1976, Garth married his one true love, Sherry Cole. Their story began when Sherry was just 16, with a first date at the Ashtabula County Fair—a beginning that blossomed into a lifelong love marked by unwavering devotion, deep friendship, and shared faith. For 50 years and one month, they built a life side by side, inseparable in both presence and spirit. They were simply known as “Sherry and Garth,” a couple whose bond was evident to all who knew them. Rarely was one seen without the other, and together they embodied a love that was constant, joyful, and rooted in Christ.

Their shared passions extended into their ministry and community involvement. Together, they brought music and fellowship to others through 26 years of annual Christmas concerts, Concerts in the Park, many concerts throughout the county, and their Sunday nursing home ministry at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home—touching countless lives along the way. Within the last couple of years, Garth started playing guitar with Sherry at the concerts, making their musical ministry even more special.

Garth’s Christian faith was the foundation of his life. At age 24, he accepted Christ and joined Jefferson First Baptist Church with Sherry, where her roots ran deep, and quickly became a devoted and active member. Over the years, he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher for more than 40 years, as a deacon and elder, as a past Church Council and Mission Board member, and as the past Sunday School Superintendent. For three decades, he also managed the church’s sound system, continually embracing new technologies to enhance worship and outreach. His faith was not only something he professed, but something he lived daily through service, kindness, and quiet generosity to those in need.

Outside of his professional and church life, Garth was endlessly curious and engaged with the world around him. A student of life, he loved learning, researching, and expanding his knowledge—traits that made him a formidable Jeopardy! competitor at home alongside Sherry. He enjoyed family fishing trips to Canada, Florida and Disney vacations with family, organizing the church’s Monday disc golf league for over 20 years, and sharing life with his beloved dogs, past and present. A loyal Cleveland Browns fan, he remained ever hopeful for a championship, holding onto that optimism with good humor and steadfast faith.

Garth is survived by his loving and devoted wife, and truly his best friend, Sherry; his siblings, Dona (Charles) Borsukoff and James (Joyce) Cornell; his sisters-in-law, Nancy Cornell and Donna Barton; his brother-in-law, Martin (Julie) Cole; and many nieces and nephews whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Cornell; and his in-laws, Martin and Flavia Cole.

Calling hours will be held Friday, August 7, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Jefferson First Baptist Church, 85 West Jefferson Street, Jefferson, Ohio. Funeral services will also be held at the church on Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Kevin Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery, with a memorial luncheon afterward in the church fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions may be made in Garth’s name to Jefferson First Baptist Church.

Garth will be remembered for his unmistakable voice on the airwaves, his unwavering faith, his generous and compassionate heart, and his lifelong dedication to others. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted follower of Jesus and as one half of a remarkable love story—forever and proudly, “Sherry and Garth.”

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