Robert "Bob" F. Cannon, 76, of Jackson passed away Thursday, April 22, 2021, surrounded by his family.
He was born Feb. 19, 1945, to Billy L. and Lois F. Cornelius Cannon in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Bob and Barbara "Barb" Cannon were united in marriage on July 29, 1967, in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
He was a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and obtained degrees in marketing management and business administration. He furthered his education in Wyoming.
Bob served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1972. He graduated from Fleet Marine School and Balboa Hospital at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, California. He furthered his medical training at Oakland Naval Hospital in Oakland, California, and served in the Vietnam Theater. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Shields and the U.S.S. Dixie and was honorably discharged March 1972.
Bob was in financing for 35 years employed with Ford Motor Credit Company as branch operation manager. He joined Toyota Motor Credit Corporation, establishing branches as a dealer relations manager.
His hobbies included showing dogs and horses with winnings from Nationals to Worlds with Appaloosas. His art and woodwork were displayed at the entrance of A.P. Hill Boy Scouts Jamboree. His love for Christmas led him to design reindeers. Ballroom dancing was shown on the dance floor with his wife throughout many states.
Bob and his wife could be found walking the mall three miles a week, never letting his cane deter him.
Everyone knew him with a smile on his face. His grandchildren knew him as "OPA." Bob enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and Europe.
Bob retired and started farming and raising cattle until his bad health.
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara "Barb" Cannon of the home; son, Jeffrey (Wendy) Cannon of Perryville, Missouri; four grandchildren, BreAnna Brewer, Austin Baumann, Lukas Cannon and Shelby Cannon; brother, Larry (Nancy) Cannon of California; two nieces, Tracey (J.T.) Thiessen of California and Melissa (Eric) Vreeland of Georgia; brother-in-law, Robert (Emille) Cole of Georgia; sister-in-law, Donna Cole of Texas; and mother-in-law, Burdine Cole of Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.
In lieu of flowers contributions are appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association.
Online condolences can be made on www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.
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