John Canon

John Paul Canon, 71, Topeka, KS, passed into eternal life on Sunday, December 30, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Gentry County, MO, on August 22, 1941, the son of John Thomas and Mildred B. (Owens) Canon. He graduated from San Lorenzo High School in San Lorenzo, CA, in 1958, and continued his education at Oakland City/Merritt College and Berkeley University. John began his newspaper-advertising career at the St. Joseph News-Press in 1965 in the dispatch department, then later held positions as Sales Executive, and National Advertising Manager. In 1978 he moved to Topeka, KS, where he held positions at the Topeka Capital-Journal as Sales Executive, National Advertising Manager, and Classified Advertising Manager, retiring in 2000. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, ceramics, gardening, his beloved dog, Maxx, and spending time with his grandchildren. John was a member of Mater Dei Catholic Church of Topeka, and a former member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in St. Joseph, MO. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 15126 at St. Francis Xavier, and a former member of the Topeka Home Builder s Association. He was married to Mary Dolores Vera on February 26, 1966, at St. Joseph, MO. Surviving are his loving and devoted wife, Mary Dolores Canon of the home; children: David (Christy) Canon of Topeka, Patty (Kevin) Malottki of Platte City, MO, Bryan (Paula) Canon of Topeka, Amy (Shawn) Lucas of Topeka, and Katie (Ryan) Koch of Tonganoxie, KS; brothers: Lonnie (Diane) Canon of Pompano Beach, FL, and Jim (Tina) Canon of Clarksburg, WV; sisters-in-law: Betty Canon of Savannah, MO, and Pat Vega of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren: Nikki, Stephanie, Levi, Conrad, Taylor, Hunter, Dylan, Riley, Logan, Samantha, Brady, Cole, Josie, and Lucy; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. John was looking forward to meeting his new twin grandchildren, whose births are expected later this month. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Robert Rex Canon, and Donnie Ralph Canon. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 3, 2013, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2618 Seneca Street, St. Joseph, MO, preceded by a viewing at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2600 Lovers Lane, St. Joseph, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 10th & Clay, Topeka, with a Prayer Service/Rosary following at 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th Street, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66614; Marian Clinic, 1001 SW Garfield, Topeka, KS 66604, or Mater Dei Parish, 1114 SW 10th, Topeka, KS 66604. The family would like to thank the staff of Caregivers Home Health and Grace Hospice for their care and compassion during John s final journey home. To leave a special message online for the family, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. John Paul Canon