John Robert Cannon

John Cannon passed away at 90 years of age. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Joseph and Liola Cannon, and was the youngest of six children. John was a Golden Gloves boxer during his early teens, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 17. He proudly served his country for over four years during the Korean War, and was a first baseman for his branch’s U.S. Military All-Star team.

John met his beautiful wife Gloria Hudak at Honeywell, where they both worked. They had four children together, and a blessed, loving marriage for 66 years. In 1969 John and Gloria moved their family to Kansas City, Missouri, where they made their home until his death.

John loved sports (playing baseball, golf and broom hockey) and the competition that accompanied it. He coached youth sports of all kinds, a passion that would continue for nearly 30 years. John coached hundreds of youth baseball and football teams in the Minneapolis and Kansas City areas, and was actively involved in 3&2 Baseball and the Kansas City Parochial League. He also founded the football program at St. Thomas Moore catholic school. Over the years he won many championships and positively mentored thousands of young men.

John was an award-winning salesman with Motorola Communications. After retiring, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, eventually becoming a Grand Knight. He spent countless hours raising money for charitable causes. John also volunteered at St. Joseph Medical Center for several years. No doubt he made the patients he wheeled around a little more light-hearted with his incredible sense of humor and sly little smile.

John liked to go fishing. He fished with family and friends in many places, including Alaska and Canada. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie and campfire talk during those outings. John also relished the opportunity to travel, with China being the farthest-flung place he visited.

More than anything John cared about his family, always putting them first. He set an incredible example for his children, their spouses, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John was actively involved in each of their lives and will be missed beyond belief.

John’s very favorite singer was Frank Sinatra and his favorite Sinatra song was “My Way.” Without a doubt, John surely did it his way during his lifetime.

John is survived by his wife Gloria Cannon; his children James Cannon (Kristine), Michael Cannon (Patricia), Diane Faile (Theodore) and Karen Bivens (Wendell); his grandchildren John (Niki) Cannon, Brandon (Shirley) Bivens, Ryan Bivens, Cassandra Bivens, Courtney (Timothy) Barbeau, Nicholas (Monica) Cannon, Brittney Cannon and Ian Faile; and his great-grandchildren Kaycee Cannon, Hailey Cannon, Courtney Cannon, Bradon Cannon, Michael Cannon, Vera Cannon, Damien Bivens, Kody Bivens, Noah Bivens, Matias Jaramillo and Bella Bivens.

Please have all floral arrangements delivered to Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home by Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 12 PM. You may also make a donation in his name to the ASPCA - American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Please click on the hyper link below to make an online donation.