William Newton “Newt” Cornwell, Jr., of Guthrie, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025. Born April 11, 1939, in Hobart, Oklahoma, he was the beloved son of William Newton Cornwell, Sr., and Jesse Regina Every Cornwell.
Growing up in Hobart, Newt was active in baseball, tennis, Boy Scouts, and the Methodist Church. He graduated from Hobart High School and attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in chemistry. Following graduation, he spent a year teaching high school chemistry on the Zuni Indian Reservation in New Mexico—an experience that reflected his love of learning and his generous spirit.
Returning to Southwestern, Newt earned his pharmacy degree and met his future wife, Ranell Fillmore. The two were later married and moved to Guthrie in 1964, where they began their lifelong partnership of faith, love, and community service. Newt was a respected pharmacist and an active member of his community. He devoted many years to the Guthrie Kiwanis Club, serving in leadership at the local and district level across Oklahoma and Texas. His dedication to Guthrie was unwavering, and he could often be found watching the Oklahoma Sooners play football, cheering them on with enthusiasm and pride.
Newt will be remembered for his integrity, his love of service, his devotion to family, and his generous heart. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and commitment that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ranell; children, Trey Cornwell and his wife, Amy, and Rondall Cornwell and his wife, Daniela; grandchildren, Dillon Cornwell and his wife, Megan, Kurgan, Bailey, Katherine, and Caroline; and greatgrandchildren, Koa and Lennox.
Funeral services for Newt will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 2, 2026 at Guthrie First United Methodist Church located at 224 East Noble Avenue in Guthrie with Reverend Ronnie Fields officiating. Interment will follow at Summit View Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21 The family of Newt Cornwell wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for your prayers, love, and support during this time of loss. Your presence today, along with every act of kindness, memory shared, and gesture of comfort, is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered with gratitude.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo. com.