Benjamin R. Cannon

Benjamin R. Cannon, 82, of Chicopee, passed away at 6:35 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Comfort Care Homes of Pittsburg.

He was born March 26, 1939 at Pittsburg, the son of Roy M. and Arlene (Case) Cannon. He graduated from Pittsburg High School with the Class of 1956. Ben always enjoyed the special, close knit bond his class always had.

Ben served in the United States Army from November 21, 1961 to November 20, 1963. Following his honorable discharge, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves, serving another two years.

On March 26, 1965, he was united in marriage to Carol K. Frome. They celebrated 56 years of marriage this year.

Ben worked for his in-laws, Bob and Frances Frome until he took over the business in 1984. He also worked for the Crawford County Road and Bridge Department, working as a Caterpillar Motor Grader Operator until he retired. He loved his family and his Caterpillar equipment doing his work with the soil.

He was baptized in the First Christian Church of Pittsburg. In his spare time, he enjoyed his Plymouth Classic cars, BenRod, and his grandson’s drag racing car.

In addition to his wife, Carol of the home, he is survived by one son, Benjamin S. “Benjie” Cannon and Gina Dixon of Chicopee; a grandson, Benjamin T. “Travis” Cannon and his wife, Shelby (Hobbs) Cannon of Chicopee; a great-granddaughter, Charley Rae Cannon; nephew, David Edson and his family of Pittsburg; niece, Jane (Sartore) Murray and family of Washington; and other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John Virgil Manley Jr. and a sister, Louanne Manley Edson.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday (May 13) in the Highland Park Cemetery. Friends are requested to meet at the cemetery. Graveside military services will be provided by the Kansas Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday to sign the register book at the Brenner Mortuary.   The family suggests memorials to the SEK Humane Society &/or the Chicopee Foundation. These may be mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary.

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