Roger Deane Cannell

Roger Deane Cannell, 89, died Sept 18, 2025 in Olathe, KS. Born Nov. 13, 1935 in Monmouth, IL, he was the son of Deane L. and Louise B. Cannell, both deceased. His wife, Mary Jean Cannell survives.

On June 23, 1962, he married the love of his life, Mary Jean Sims, of Elkhart, IN. Their children and grandchildren are: son Todd (Gina) of Tyrone, GA and grandson Stephen; daughter Karen Brennecke (David) of Olathe, KS and granddaughter Katelyn Murillo (Dakota) and great granddaughter Lorrie, grandson Tyler (Kayli) and grandson Connor; son Kevin (Carey) of Olathe, KS, granddaughter Natalie, and grandson Jack.

His parents moved to Jacksonville, IL in 1941 where he attended public school and graduated High School in 1953. While attending high school, he enjoyed playing percussion in the high school band and performed in the junior and senior plays. He graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957, studying radio and television and NROTC. Upon graduation he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. His first duty assignment was flight training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, and graduated with Navy Wings of Gold. The fleet Marine force assigned him to helicopters, flying on the US west coast and Pacific Far East, principally Japan. He continued service in the Marine Corps Reserve and was honorably discharged in 1967 attaining rank of Captain.

After active military service Roger worked as an aviation insurance underwriter in Chicago. In 1964 he entered the University of Illinois to study accounting, preparing for the CPA examination, passing the exam the first time. He received his CPA certificate in 1965, and joined his father's CPA practice, where he continued until retiring in August 2009. Prior to retirement he and Mary Jean moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas in 2004.

Roger enjoyed aviation for over 53 years, flying a Beechcraft Bonanza and accumulated 5000 hours of safe flying. He received the FAA Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" award in 2011. As a LifeLine Pilots member, he flew people needing medical treatment all over the mid-section of the country. Other enjoyments included playing golf, acting, directing and other drama pursuits. For several summers Roger and Mary Jean participated in Rebel class sailboat races at Lake Springfield, Illinois. He also was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Particularly memorable were two summers on camp staff at Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico. As an adult he served in many district and council scouting positions. He was granted the adult honor of Silver Beaver Award by the Abraham Lincoln Council, Springfield, Illinois, in 1976. Also of deep interest was the Masonic organization. He was raised to the Master Mason degree in 1956 and later served as Worshipful Master of Jacksonville Lodge 570, Jacksonville, Illinois. He also belonged to the Ansar Shrine Temple, Springfield, Illinois. For many years he served on the Jacksonville Savings Bank board of directors.

Cremation will be accorded. Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Olathe, KS is in charge of arrangements. A visitation will be held at 10am Saturday Oct. 4th at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Olathe, KS followed by a memorial service at 11am. Burial services will be conducted in Jacksonville, Illinois at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the Boy Scouts of America, Springfield, IL; Shriners Hospital for Children, Shreveport, Louisiana; and Stanford University Foundation, Stanford, California.

To leave a message of condolence for Roger's family, or to share a memory of Roger, please visit www.PenwellGabelKC.com