Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

January 31, 2021

Thomas Markwood Cannon of Matthews, NC passed away at age 77 at home on Sunday, January 31, 2021.

Mr. Cannon was born in Rome, Georgia, on April 7, 1943, son of the late Paul Haven Cannon and the late Helen Markwood Cannon. His father’s work took the family from Georgia to South Carolina, Mexico City, New Jersey and to Charlotte in 1963. As a youth Tom was a Sea Scout and church acolyte. He graduated from Darlington School in 1961 and from the University of New Mexico in 1966 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Tom received a Navy ROTC scholarship and was commissioned an Ensign upon graduation. Tom was a devoted Lobos fan.

Tom served 5 years active duty as an officer aboard the USS Keyes and the USS Arlington in the Pacific and as an admiral’s aide in Washington DC. He was aboard the Arlington in July 1969 on location at the Apollo 11 lunar mission splashdown and recovery mission in the Pacific alongside USS Hornet. He continued his service in the Navy Reserves retiring as a Captain with a total of 30 years of service, including studying at the Naval War College in Newport, RI. Tom loved the Navy and kept in touch with many of his Navy friends and shipmates.

After the Navy, Tom’s engineering and management career led him to various positions at Proctor & Gamble, Celanese Corp. and at Midrex Technologies. During his time with Midrex he traveled extensively overseas on many engineering/construction projects.

Upon retirement, Tom enjoyed volunteering with the Matthews Historical Foundation and the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee. He loved being with Barbara, his wife of 30 years, gardening, reading, jogging, history, genealogy and their dog, Stuart. Tom particularly loved the ocean, Ocean Isle Beach and traveling everywhere with Barbara.

More importantly, Tom was a good and decent man who loved life and his family. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Scott-Cannon, daughter Amanda Scott, sons Paul Cannon and Chris Cannon (Dana), granddaughter Abigail Cannon, brother Dave Cannon (Jean), nieces, Lisa Moon (Logan) and Lindsay Scales (Drew) nephew, Rees Cannon (Karen), and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Friday, March 5, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Paws for Purple Hearts in memory of Tom.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Services,. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.