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 . 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.
