Vernon Richard Cannon, Jr. checked in to his new home on May 18, 2024 at the age of 62. His heart finally had enough and beat its last beat in this earthly body after many years of multiple stents and two open heart surgeries.

Richard was born August 14, 1961 to Vernon and Loretta Brown Cannon in Mildenhall, Suffolk, England at Royal Air Force Lakenheath where his parents were stationed. They left England, moved around some and were later stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas, where his father retired from the Air Force. Richard attended Hirschi High School and was a member of the 1979 graduating class. He was in diesel mechanics and named Super Senior for November his senior year.

When Richard was a freshman in high school, his lifelong love story began. He met Lori Ann Schlarb and they dated throughout high school and married on August 2, 1980. The family grew to include three children: Jason, Valery and AnnMarie. Richard would tell and show you that his children came first. He spent years supporting them in whatever they did in grade school, high school, and college. He spent many hours on the road for Little League Baseball, the Bearcat Band, Bearcat Baseball, and the Sherman Hi-Steppers. After high school, his road time was spent following the Apache Belles of Tyler Junior College. He loved every minute of watching his children do their thing.

Richard was an active member of North Park Baptist Church. He was baptized there on April 4, 1999. He served in the music ministry in the technical area and slide presentations for the last 14 years. Prior to that, he was an integral part of the Bus Ministry at North Park where he provided rides for anyone that needed one. His travelers were primarily older ladies, and they would chastise him for not wearing a coat in the winter. He spoiled them and made sure they were taken care of.

He worked for Darr Equipment Company beginning in October of 1980 until his retirement on March 11, 2024. He started with Darr while living in Wichita Falls. In January of 1986, he accepted a transfer to Sherman, Texas and served in many capacities for the Company during the 43 ½ year span. Most of his time with Darr was in some form of service, most recently being a forklift field service technician. He celebrated his retirement with his team on May 15, 2024 where they honored him with a standing ovation and award for his service.

In what little spare time he had, Richard served as the sound guy, the prop guy, the van driver, and the team's number 1 supporter for the Cannonball Cloggers. Many of the young team members referred to him as their clogging dad. They traveled all over the State of Texas and southern parts of the country to perform or compete. Richard could always be counted on to take care of the team.

One wouldn't think that Richard's joy to be with his children could be surpassed, but it was – six times. Pawpaw could provide the best nap place on the planet and there wasn't a grandchild that didn't spend multiple hours in his arms sound asleep. One of the last things he did on this side of heaven was attend his oldest granddaughter's awards ceremony and his only grandson's baseball game.

Richard is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Lori, their three children, Jason and his wife Crystal of Van Alstyne, Texas, Valery and her husband, Jeff Medford of Denison, Texas, and AnnMarie and her husband, Terry Wilson of Melissa, Texas. His sister, Angela Watson of McKinney, Texas. Sister-in-law Delores Audet and husband Mark of Virginia. Grandchildren Alexa, Natalie and Holly Medford of Denison; Presley and Parker Cannon of Van Alstyne, and Amelia Wilson of Melissa. Nephews Justin Watson and his wife Bailey of Frisco, Texas, Jeffrey Watson of Washington, DC. and nieces Alicia Schlarb of Mississippi, and Erica Schlarb of North Carolina. Richard is survived by and preceded in death by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents.

When asked to give one word that described himself, Richard answered "jovial." In looking back at pictures and reflecting on his life, he was that and much more. He was kind, gentle, devoted, a good friend, tolerant, goofy, and overall, a good man. He will be dearly missed by his family and all that knew him. We know he is whole now and rejoice in that while working through our sadness.

If you would like to donate in Richard's honor, please help further the kingdom of heaven by either honoring GoSendMe Global (PO Box 913106, Sherman TX 75091), a mission sending organization, or North Park Baptist Church (2605 Rex Cruse Drive, Sherman, TX 75092).

Visitation will be at Waldo Funeral Home on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 6 until 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be Friday, May 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at North Park Baptist Church in Sherman, Texas.