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Richard Buckles "Dick" Cannon

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University of Florida University of Missouri

Richard Cannon Obituary

DECATUR - Richard Buckles "Dick" Cannon died peacefully at his residence in Tucson, Arizona, on his 81st birthday, Sunday, March 27, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Cannon was born in 1930 and raised in Niantic, Decatur, and Springfield, Illinois. He attended college at the University of Missouri and graduated from Biltmore College in North Carolina. He then served in the Air Force during the Korean War and upon completion of duty attended the University of Florida. After returning to Illinois, Mr. Cannon married Mary Frances Sgro in 1954. They resided in Niantic, Illinois, later moving to Springfield, Illinois, where they raised their three sons. Mr. Cannon owned several businesses in Springfield. After his mother's death in 1978, Mr. Cannon began farming. He and his wife built a home in Tucson, Arizona, and Mr. Cannon returned to Illinois every spring and fall to farm with his sons. Mr. Cannon was an avid handball player and sports fan. He enjoyed collecting World War I and World War II memorabilia, and curated an extensive personal collection. Mr. Cannon also loved spending time with friends and family and will remembered as a family provider and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Mr. Cannon is survived by his wife, Mary Frances (Sgro) Cannon of Tucson, Arizona, and his three sons: Charles, Mt. Pulaski, IL, Richard (Cindy), Rochester, IL, and Lawrence, Buffalo, IL. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Cara (John), St. Louis, MO, Marisa (Aaron), Springfield, IL, Cory, Schaumburg, IL, Brandt, Rochester, IL, Alexis, Springfield, IL, and Derich, Rochester, IL, and one great-granddaughter, Harper Rose. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Cannon and Cora Cowdin Wilcox, and one grandchild, Brenna Cannon. A memorial service is planned on April 24 in Tucson, AZ, and another memorial service will be held in Illinois in early summer. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/herald-review/

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Published by Decatur Herald & Review on Apr. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cannon

15 Entries

Bob Hunter

April 24, 2011

Dick was a true friend and sponsor of the world famous Dick Cannon Three Wall tournament(and host of the equally famous post tournament party). Possessor of a great lob serve and a ready smile. We will miss Dick. Bob Hunter

April 11, 2011

Mary and Family, Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you. Had some great times playing handball. Bill & Mary Seman

pat patty butler

April 9, 2011

Mary and family, very sorry About Dick. Certainly remember many great times and handball games.

Jack & Janice Butler

April 8, 2011

Mary and family: We are very saddened for your monumental loss. We fondly remember Dick for his wit, friendliness and family values. God bless!

Valdemar Velasco

April 6, 2011

To The Cannon Family:

My sympathies and condolences on his passing. He was quite the character and was seldom at a loss for words. He will be missed.

I enjoyed playing handball with and against him, until he gave up the game. He was quite the competitor and was as tough as nails.

I will miss his candor and pragmatism. He always seem to know what to do. May he rest in peace.

Pete &Terri Barnosky

April 6, 2011

To the Cannon family: I remember your dad from the motocross races. He always seemed like a guy who enjoyed life and always had something witty to say. He will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss.

Jack Kelly

April 6, 2011

Dick will be missed by all who knew him. He was quick witted and a truly decent person. He cast a very long shadow for me. I had first met Dick at an estate sale some 25 years ago and we remained freinds ever since. We had many a good laugh together. There will be a big hole left in the collecting community here. I hope the garage sales are good in heaven as he is likely at one right now .

Kris Cannon

April 6, 2011

Here's to hoping there are Flea Markets, Auctions and Garage Sales in Heaven. Godspeed Dick. You will be missed. Say hey to my Mom and Dad for me. Love, Kris

Ann Ritter

April 6, 2011

I will miss Dick Cannon. He helped me with my Ebay when I was just getting started. I would also see him at the swap meet.. A good friend. He loved his family. Dick looked forward to planting season in Illinois.

Cindy Ritter

April 5, 2011

To the Family of Dick Cannon,
my heart is sadden by his passing!! he was a wonderful person,
he had a good sense of humor and he had a zest for life.
i will never forget Dick Cannon
i will miss him greatly

Cindy Cannon

April 4, 2011

Dick Cannon was one-of-a-kind....he was a wonderful, great grandfather, and grandfather to my children, Marisa, Brandt and Derich and to my granddaughter Harper Rose... I couldn't have asked for a better father-in-law....I miss him already...

james vespa

April 4, 2011

mr. cannon was to me when i was in my teenage years, was a midwest illinoin man id like to be like. to me he was farmer father buinessman lawyer comidean all rolled into one man. condolences to mrs cannon rich chuck larry and the rest of the extended family

Terri & Larry Stewart

April 4, 2011

We really appreciate and enjoyed the times we were able to spend together. You will be greatly missed.

Keith Ellefson

April 3, 2011

Dick you will be dearly missed God Bless you and all our condolences to your family. Keith, Suzy, Staci and clan.

April 3, 2011

Mr. Cannon was quite a guy -- with his quick wit and great sense of humor. It was always apparent how he enjoyed his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by many.

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