James "Loren" Burr Cannefax

In Loving Memory of James “Loren” Burr Cannefax
James “Loren” Burr Cannefax, was called home to glory on September 9, 2025 at the age of 90. He was born on January 22,1935 in Enid Oklahoma to George Loren Cannefax and Jessie Meleta (Blaylock) Cannefax. From an early age Loren learned the importance of hard work,assisting in his father’s flour mill and working as a lifeguard at the city pool. Loren was raised in a strong christian home. Although he was quietly spiritual, he exhibited christian values through his acts of kindness for the church and others. Loren graduated from Garber High School in 1953, and declined a swimming scholarship to the University of Kansas to continue working in the oil fields.  Later, Loren attended Business School at Brown Mackie College in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He then took his hard work ethics, business knowledge, and skills as a “Master Mechanic” to begin his own mechanic shop until retirement. Loren was a devoted family member and friend to many, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. His sense of humor was contagious and he loved to make people laugh. He had a passion for life that was evident in all that he did. Whether at a family gathering or quiet moments at his home, love and devotion to family were unwavering. Loren had compassion that extended to all creatures great and small reflecting profound respect for nature and life. A true animal lover, Loren had a special bond with the numerous pets he had throughout the years, always offering them loyalty and affection. Loren also had a passion for racing, a hobby he was very successful at and shared with several friends and family members. Loren had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, gardening, sporting activities with his children and spending time at the lake with family, boating, skiing, fishing and camping. Loren found great joy in spending time with his wife and children. Watching sports was a favorite pastime for Loren as well.  All that knew him were aware that he was an avid OU and Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Loren is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jane, whom he married on May 11, 1963; their children, Elaine Cannefax, Bob(Theresa) Cannefax, Cheryl Cannefax and Jeremy Cannefax; grandchildren James, Jonathan, Andrew, Joshua, Anna, Chase,Jacob, Amani, Amiri, and Chloe; and great grandchildren Brayden, Brynlee and Aspen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Cyril “Bud” Cannefax, Edith Helen (Johnson) Cannefax and Ruth (Craig) Cannefax. 

A celebration of Loren’s life will be held on November 1st, at 2:00p.m. at West Evangelical Free Church, 1161 North Maize Road,in Wichita Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to be made to Beauties & Beasts Rescue, 114 South Patty, Wichita Kansas 67211, honoring Loren’s lifelong love of animals.

Cremation is under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa.