W.T. Shumake & Daughters

Cornell Chest, Sr., 73, of Louisville died Monday March 20, 2023 at Kindred Hospital.

Visitation 11-1 Saturday at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral to follow at 1:00 PM.

Cornell Chest, Sr. was born August 11, 1949 in Louisville, Kentucky to Claude and Dolores Chest. He was one of six children.

Cornell was educated in the Jefferson County Public School System, and graduated from Male High School. After graduation, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps.

Upon returning to Louisville, after serving in the Marine Corps, Cornell became employed at several companies. His work history had a span of working at General Electric Company, Norton’s Healthcare at Brownsboro Hospital, and later at JBS Swift & Company, where he retired after 20 years of employment. Cornell was called a “workaholic”, because he loved to keep busy by working. He liked to have nice things, so he knew he had to work to have those things to enjoy.

Cornell was a handy man who could fix just about anything. He owned a variety of tools that were used on a regular basis making repairs for his family and friends.

It has been said that Cornell was a family man, who focused on his wife, (Karen), his grandchildren, and spending time with his family members. He spoiled his grandchildren, and often said that the reason for being a grandparent is to spoil the grandchildren.

Cornell could grow anything – flowers, plants, vegetables. He had a “green thumb”, and enjoyed being outside digging in the dirt. He also cut grass for the exercise, and again, to be out in the fresh air.

All work and no play makes for a dull person, so Cornell mixed up his workaholic personality, and enjoyed some fun. He enjoyed watching television and drinking his “refreshing” beverage, while watching his two favorite teams, the U of L Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys.

Cornell was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Dolores Chest, and two brothers, George Chest and Rodney Couch.

On Monday, March 20, 2023, Cornell Chest, Sr. was called to take his rest. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 13 years, Karen Elaine Mudd; two sons, Cornell Chest, Jr, and Aaron Chest; two sisters, Louise Beman, Regina Couch; one brother, Greg Chest; one step daughter, Bridget Holt (Frank Irvin), three grandchildren, Bless’ed, Gift’ed, and Favor’ed; and a host of other family members and friends.