Matthews Cornell, age 57, of Charleston, passed away on May 13, 2026. He was born on August 2, 1969, in Allentown, to JoAnn and Matthews Cornell.

Matthew spent much of his career as a dedicated journeyman pipefitter and sheet metal fitter. Later in life, he and his beloved wife, Tracey, made their home in the Charleston area where he furthered his education at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College, where he earned a degree in technology. He concluded his working career with the Charleston Sanitary Board. 

On April 28, 2018; Matthews married the love of his life, Tracey Shultz of South Charleston. Though they went different paths for a time, they were high school sweethearts who found their way back to one another. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family, sharing a deep devotion to God and serving Him faithfully.  

Matthews found his greatest joys in simple, meaningful moments of fishing, visiting parks, and especially spending time with his grandchildren. Family gatherings were where he and Tracey were happiest, surrounded by the people they loved most.

Matthews and Tracey tragically passed together in an automobile accident, leaving this world hand in hand to walk with their Savior. 

He is survived by his loving mother, JoAnn Cornell, his father, Matthews Cornell, his sister, Shawnda Yeager (Bob Yeager), brother Patrick Cornell, (Natalie Cornell), as well as many nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles whom he dearly loved. He also cherished Tracey’s children, Joshua Hoffman, and Darian Moore, as his own, and embraced their children as his grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Leonard and Wilma Hudson of Charleston, West Virginia, and his paternal grandparents, Ellis and Edna Cornell of Allentown, Pennsylvania.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. om June 6, 2026, at the Connection Point Church of God.