Jack Edward Cannon

Jack Edward Cannon, 78, New Castle native and former resident, died Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Reid Hospital, Richmond, of complications from Wegener’s disease. Jack’s family was at his side when he lost his battle with the illness.

Born January 17, 1933 in New Castle, Jack was the son of Loring Monroe “Bud” Cannon and Nellie Mae Lott Cannon, and stepmother Jewell Smith Cannon, all of whom preceded Jack in death. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Marjorie Joanne Bennett Cannon, Richmond; son Jeffrey Edward of St. Louis, daughter-in-law Sharon, and granddaughter Lauren; daughter Judith Nell Willett of Fountain City, son-in-law Benjamin, granddaughters Andrea, Adrianne, Stephanie and Mary, and great-grandchildren Aiden, Eliza, and Daphne. Jack was the proud son-in-law of Charles and Madaline Bennett, who preceded him in death, and brother-in-law to Marilyn Sue Moore, Amherst, Massachusetts, Jack Allen Bennett and wife Patsy of Augusta, Georgia, and Max Eugene Bennett of Richmond. A sister-in-law, Nancy Chastain Bennett preceded Jack in death. Jack is survived also by two nieces, an aunt and uncle in Florida, and many cousins.

Jack’s career began in the grocery business, when he worked for the National Tea Company’s Standard Grocery beginning in high school and ending as a district supervisor and store manager. In the late 1960s, Jack and Joanne assumed ownership of Bennett’s Market, which was located on New Castle’s eastside and founded by father-in-law Charlie Bennett. Jack then enjoyed a long career in management positions at Chrysler’s New Castle machining and forging facility, from which he retired in 1998. Jack remained active in the New Castle community as a member of New Castle Rotary, and he was particularly proud of his involvement in the Henry County Academy for Community Leadership, an initiative of New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. Jack was a long-time member of New Castle Lodge #91 F&AM Masonic Temple. His grandchildren enjoyed knowing that grandpa contributed to the establishment of the Children’s Fun Park at Baker Park, a project that allowed Jack to contribute his skills as a Master Gardener. Jack was a graduate of New Castle High School Class of 1951 and attended Michigan State University. He served proudly in the United States Army after the Korean War.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle, with Reverend Don Lacey, Muncie, and Reverend Bill Jackson, Richmond, officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at the funeral home with a Masonic service at 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to either the Henry County Academy for Community Leadership, in care of New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, 100 S. Main St., New Castle, Indiana 47362, or, Reid Foundation, in care of Reid Hospital, 1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond, Indiana 47374 with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .