Alex Paulsen Bullard, a 27-year-old man from Odell, Illinois, died in a car accident near Cornell, Illinois on June 10, 2021. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many. He was also a passionate and successful farmer, athlete, and coach. His death has left a huge void in the hearts of his family and the community.
Who Was Alex Paulsen Bullard?
Alex Paulsen Bullard was born on October 10, 1993 in Streator, Illinois to Paul and Sharlene (Paulsen) Bullard. He grew up in Cornell, Illinois and attended Flanagan-Cornell High School. He was active in 4H and FFA, and excelled in sports, especially baseball. He played collegiate level baseball at Illinois State University, where he graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business.
After graduation, he became the farm manager and lead herdsman of Bullard Cattle Company, a family-owned business that raises Simmental and Charolais cattle. He was involved in the cattle industry at the local, state, and national levels. He was also a coach for the Flanagan-Cornell-Woodland baseball team.
Alex married Kellie Pilalis on June 22, 2018 in Princeton, Illinois. They had two children: Halle, who is two years old, and Krew, who was born seven weeks before Alex’s death. Alex loved his family more than anything and enjoyed spending time with them. He also had many hobbies and interests, such as hunting, fishing, golfing, and anything with a motor and a steering wheel.
How Did Alex Paulsen Bullard Die?
Alex Paulsen Bullard died in a car accident on Thursday, June 10, 2021 in Cornell, Illinois. He was on his way to his day job at Bullard Cattle Company when his vehicle collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Route 23 and Livingston County Road 2400 North. The other driver was also killed in the crash. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the authorities.
Alex’s funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Christ Community Church in Gridley, Illinois. He was buried in Cornell Cemetery. His family requested that memorial contributions be made to his wife and children at Flanagan State Bank.
How Did the Community React to Alex Paulsen Bullard’s Death?
Alex Paulsen Bullard’s death has shocked and saddened the community that knew and loved him. Many people have expressed their condolences and tributes to him on social media and other platforms. Some of the messages are:
- “Alex was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He was a great friend, teammate, and coach. He will be missed by so many.” – Tanner Benedict, former teammate and friend
- “Alex was a great guy who loved his family and his cattle. He was always willing to help out anyone who needed it. He was a leader in the cattle industry and a role model for the younger generation. He had a bright future ahead of him.” – Jim Akers, Illinois Simmental Association president
- “Alex was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He had a passion for life and everything he did. He touched so many lives with his kindness and generosity. He was taken from us too soon.” – Kellie Bullard, wife
The community has also shown its support for Alex’s family by organizing fundraisers, meal trains, prayer vigils, and other acts of kindness. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with the expenses for Alex’s funeral and his children’s education. As of October 8, 2021, the page has raised over $150,000 from more than 1,500 donors.
Conclusion
Alex Paulsen Bullard car accident Cornell IL was a tragic event that claimed the life of a young man who had so much to offer to the world. He was a devoted family man, a hardworking farmer, a talented athlete, and a respected coach. He was loved by many people who will miss him dearly. His legacy will live on through his wife, children, family, friends, and community.
