Francis “Hant” Cannon, age 91, of Gladstone, passed away Friday evening, July 14, 2017, at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.
Francis was born the sixth child of seven children on June 6, 1926, in Gladstone, the son of Edward and Myrtle (Hannigan) Cannon. He was raised in Gladstone and was a 1944 graduate of Gladstone High School.
Shortly after graduation, Francis enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in the South Pacific during WWII. While in service, Francis received medals of commendation which included the Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal and the American Area Campaign Medal.
Upon his honorable discharge, Francis returned to Gladstone. On April 3, 1948, he was united in marriage to the former Carmel Caron and together the couple made their home, raised their family and spent their entire life together in Gladstone. Carmel preceded Francis in death on September 26, 2016.
Francis was employed at the Soo Line Railroad for 37 years. While at the Soo Line, he worked his way up from locomotive fireman to engineer. He was the last engineer to work on the last train out of Gladstone before the Soo Line became Wisconsin Central. Francis retired on December 1, 1987, at the age of 62, and was proud to say that he enjoyed his work and the people he worked with.
Francis was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone and was involved in several capacities of the church. He served as a CCD teacher, was a member of the Executive Board of All Saints, as well as, the Ministry of Praise. Additionally, he belonged to the Knights of Columbus Brother Felix Council in Gladstone. He was a lifetime member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, member of the Gladstone Golf Course, and in recent years was a board member of the Gladstone Athletic Hall of Fame.
As a charter member of the Gladstone-Rapid River Kiwanis, Francis was instrumental in initiating the popular Firecracker 5 mile race on the 4th of July. He was chairperson of the event for over 20 years. He was especially proud of the contributions that the Kiwanis made in Gladstone.
Survivors include:
Son: David (Diane) Cannon of Escanaba, MI
Daughters: Caren (Brian) Nicholas of Gladstone, MI
Colleen (Gene) Olsen of Manitowoc, WI
Carol (Mark) Beveridge of New Berlin, WI
Brother: Richard (Linda) Cannon of Spokane, WA
Grandchildren: Tom (Susan) Cannon, Shawn (Krista) Cannon,
Matt Nicholas, Carrie (Brandon) Gerlikowski
Andy (Lynn) Nicholas, Erin (Brian) Salbilla
Brita (Fred Ludwig) Olsen, Amanda Beveridge,
Alyssa Beveridge, Corey Day and Casey (Neal) Raburn Special Cousins: Ruth Cannon and Maureen Cannon Also surviving are 9 great grandchildren and 2 on the way and several nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to his parents, Edward and Myrtle and his loving wife Carmel, Francis was preceded in death by:
Infant Brothers: John and Thomas Cannon
Brothers: Kenneth (Thelma) Cannon and James (Dora) Cannon
Sister: Shirley (Louis) LeClaire
Francis’ family will receive friends on Thursday, from 1:30PM to 4:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will follow visiting hours on Thursday, at 4:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71 presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will follow military rites at 5:00PM on Thursday, at All Saints Church in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating and Rev. Fr. Brian Gerber and Monsignor Jed Patrick concelebrating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Parish Hall. Memorial contributions may be directed to the, All Saints Church or the Gladstone-Rapid River Kiwanis. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County.
Joe Leonardi - Davison, MI
I am saddened to hear of Hant’s passing. Carol and I just discussed how dear he and Carmel were to Ernie and Vi (Leonardi) and their special group of friends who shared and experienced so much together. I cherish the fond memories of their gatherings and the laughter shared amongst themselves. I am blessed and honored to have known Hant, Carmel and the many friends they had. My condolences to all the family.
Kay Merlo - Gladstone, Mi
Karen, Colleen & all the family, thinking & praying for you during this difficult time. The joy you must know because you know where your earthly father is. Your dad is a kind & gentle soul & will be missed. Sincerely, Kay Merlo
Barbara A Nelson - Escanaba, MI
Francis was a RSVP volunteer. He and I had many talks on phone to secure his hours. He will be missed.
Gerald Grossman - Newberry, MI
Condolences from Grossman Forestry Company – Lloyd, Todd, Jerry
George Milkovich - Linden, Mi
Hant was the essence of a good man. Between Camel and him I could not say who was the nicest. I am sorry to hear of his passing and I pass on to the family my deepest condolences. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life. I will remember all of you in my prayers.
Mary Robitaille - Mke, Wi
Thinking of you all at this time. Your dad was always someone I looked forward to seeing. A great guy and a wonderful friend to my mom and dad. Their friendship was truly to be admired but most especially when my parents were having difficulties with driving and appointments. Your dad was always there for them. He was quite simply a nice guy.
Dr. Carl and Marilyn Olson - Clearwater, FL
To the family of “Hant” Cannon. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. We always liked your parents very much and were sad to learn of your father’s passing. We know he will be missed by many!
Angela Dowd - Ireland, KY
So very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. We only met on a few occasions but will always remember him with great affection. Thinking of you all at this sad time in your lives and sending all our love from London and Ireland.
May he Rest in Peace.
Kathleen, Margaret & Christine (nee Molloy), the Dowds and extended Cannon family.
Robin Hewitt - Gladstone, Michigan
The true meaning of Marriage…. Carmel and Hant were just that!! They raised the most loving family also.
Thank you Carmel and Hant, for everything I’ve learned from both of you, just by your examples.
Love and light….
Ed & Schendell Legault - Escanaba, MI
We have all of you in our prayers as you go through the passing of Francis. I hope you will be able to truly celebrate his wonderful life and think of the many good times you have had as a family.
Bob and Candy Nicholas - Pell City, Al
To the Cannon family – Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Ann Sinclair Vito - Rochester Hills , Mi
Thinking of each family member and know your many fabulous memories of your wonderful Dad and grandpa will keep him always close in your heart. However, the feelings of loss and missing him make this time difficult. May you find comfort knowing your parents are again together, happy and proud of each of you. Sorry I was not able to be there for his memorial service. I’m so happy I was able to see him in March and May. He always had a ready smile and live to share.