Corey B. Gaskell

It is with profound sadness that the family of Corey Brandon Gaskell announces his unexpected passing. Surrounded by the love and support of his family and friends, during a time of worship, Corey was taken home to our Lord on February 7, 2026. He was taken too soon after a brief battle with Leiomyosarcoma, an aggressive and rare form of cancer.

Corey was born on June 26, 1983, and was a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, Michigan. Corey attended Battle Creek Central and later graduated with his diploma and took some college courses.

He was employed at General Motors as a Supervisor and previously worked at Musashi Auto Parts for many years as a Subleader.

Corey was an avid University of Michigan fan, who also enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers and Lions and Las Vegas Raiders. He also played coed softball for many years.

Every year, Corey looked forward to the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival and enjoyed watching the Thunderbirds fly in. You could find him out on the airfield with his family most nights.

He enjoyed taking trips with family and friends; South Haven and Tennessee were two of his favorite places to visit. Some of the many trips include a vacation down South with his mom, Kelley and his son, Seth, long Summer days at Michigan’s Adventure, where you could find him relaxing on the “lazy river”, and multiple family trips with Nikki and their kids all of which will leave behind memories that will be remembered lovingly.

For several years, Corey attended Victory Life Church with his family, where he gave his life to Christ and was baptized and later attended Woodland Church for many years with his daughters.

Corey’s mom, Kelley introduced him to racing at a young age, going to Butler Speedway and Galesburg Speedway and he continued going as an adult. He also made trips to MIS for several NASCAR races. He always had the desire to race. In 2021 Corey started racing with close friend Shawn Osbornue and his dad, “Pops” with Osborne Racing. Later they raced together as a team with Shaunna Tucker and Lonnie Osborne under the name Gaskell Motorsports; Corey raced #1, a Honda Accord and won back-to-back in 2021. He retired from racing in 2024 to spend more quality time with his family, but you’d still see him at the racetrack cheering on his former teammates and friends. He leaves behind many other friends in the racing community that shared his passion for the sport. He’s now crossed the final finish line.

Above all else, Corey loved his family fiercely. He was a proud and devoted father; his children were his greatest joy! He was a loving son, brother, boyfriend and friend. Corey always made time to be involved and attend sporting events, theatre productions, school conferences, and other extracurricular activities for the people he cared about.

He is survived by his mother, Kelley Shulters, father Carl “Tony” and stepmom Janice Gaskell, his children, Seth Gaskell, Carlee Gaskell and Alivia Gaskell, sisters Laura (Brad) Eplee and Katie Cohen, stepbrother Keith Nunn, nieces Breana Gaskell, Hailie Markos, and Evelyn Eplee, nephews Austin Eplee and Karter Cohen, long-time girlfriend, Nikki Todd and bonus children Ethan Spink, Chloe Fullmer and Makaila Todd, his former wife and mother to his children, Brittney Banks. Corey is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and many friends.

Corey also leaves behind his partner of mayhem and oldest friend, Troy Wilkerson; who is fondly known as Corey’s “Brother from another mother.” Their long-term friendship is one that Corey cherished. Along with Troy is his wife, Ashley Wilkerson and children Jordan Wilkerson and Landen Wilkerson

Corey is preceded in death by grandparents Ralph and Elsie Shulters, David and Hazeldean Gaskell, and an Angel Baby with Brittney that was born into heaven.

The family is planning a celebration of life memorial service on Tuesday, February 24th at Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. A visitation will take place from 1:00pm – 2:00pm, with the service starting promptly at 2:00pm. There will be a luncheon at Woodland Church immediately following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation, 3833 Redding St. Oakland, CA 94619 to help fund LMS cancer research.