Dr. Robert Odum Shannon, 88, of Willis died February 26, 2017, with his family by his side. He was born to the late Gladys Odum and Guy Camillus Shannon, July 22, 1928, in Whitmire, South Carolina. Robert received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia in 1950. He married Cora Jane Glanton in 1952 and resided in Covington, Georgia. For ten years he practice clinical medicine in Newton County, Georgia. He was then called on active duty by the United States Air Force. He received a Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan and graduated from The Center of Foreign Animal Diseases in Orient Point, New York. He spent the next 20 years as a public health veterinarian, participating in various epidemiological and environmental health programs, as well as advanced research at the Hanford Atomic Research Facility. He received the USAF Legion Of Merit as well as the USAF Meritorious Service Medal. He retired in 1980 with the rank of Colonel. Robert then worked as the Director of Public Health for the city of Houston and later as the Executive Director of the Houston SPCA, where he developed many innovative animal welfare programs. He also wrote a column for the Houston Post and later published a book titled "Tails A Waggin". Robert and Cora moved to Montgomery County in 1997. He continued to be active in animal welfare programs as well as being a volunteer in several charitable organizations. He loved sports, especially baseball and was an insatiable reader. Robert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Cora Jane, and his three children: Kay Shannon and her husband Clark Thomas of Dallas; Bob Shannon and his wife Deborah of Kemah; Ben Shannon and his wife Betsy of Willis. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Sierra Balich and husband Nick of Ocean Beach, California; Kevin Thomas of Dallas. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to your favorite charity. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 15th, at 6:30PM at the United Methodist Church located at 200 N. Thomason St. in Willis, Texas.
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6 Entries
March 23, 2017
My heart goes out to you, my lifelong friend, Kay, and your dear family. Your dad was such a good guy, and so accomplished--I have very fond memories of him over the years. He was so fortunate to have such devoted, loving care from all of you, especially Cora. He will be remembered with much love, Brenda (Gaba)
Judy Paulsel
March 15, 2017
God Bless The Shannon family. Dr Shannon was a kind and gentle man. I met him when I was the secretary for Dr Altaf Karim. I would later see him at the information desk at Conroe Regional Hospital. His smile was so contagious.
Denesha Reece
March 10, 2017
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord,
Make me an instrument of your Peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Fly high my friend.....
I remember everything that you told me ....Thank you..
~Denesha ❤
Mavalene Green
March 8, 2017
Robert was a very special man and a true gentleman. We volunteered together at Conroe Regional Medical Center and enjoyed his wit and interesting stories. I extend heartfelt sympathy to his family--he will be missed.
Barbara Bumpus
March 2, 2017
I'm so sorry for the loss of Mr. Shannon. My thoughts & prayers are with Mrs. Shannon & your family during this time.
Tim Byrd
March 2, 2017
I met "Doc" Shannon while he volunteered here at Conroe Regional. Our love for sports, especially baseball immediately sparked a great friendship. His humor, detailed stories and southern charm have been missed here.
Doc! You will be missed. And as we talked many times about our faith, we will visit again.
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