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Harvey Eugene Cannon of Sparks, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at the age of 79. Harvey was born on May 15, 1942 in Cyril, Oklahoma. He was the son of Harvey Glen Cannon and Beulah (Riley) Cannon Gibbs. He was the oldest of thirteen children. Harvey grew up in Hayward, California. He graduated from Union High School in Hayward. While in high school, Harvey played football for the legendary coach, Lou Holtz. Following high school, Harvey served his country by joining the United States Navy. He served for six years, mostly in Alaska, as an aviation electrician. Upon returning to California after his military service, Harvey worked in automotive upholstery for Sears, before going to work for General Motors.
Harvey started his career at General Motors as a line worker and worked his way up to quality engineer and later as the quality engineer supervisor. Harvey and his family moved to Oklahoma, when GM was opening their Oklahoma City location. He was brought out to Oklahoma in order to help start up the facility. While in Oklahoma City, Harvey taught statistics to every employee, including the plant manager. GM went through their ISO9000 audit, which many plants take years to come into compliance, Harvey got the Oklahoma City plant through it one year. He was awarded the Best of the Best Award for his effort. Harvey retired from General Motors in 2005, after more than forty years of service.
Harvey also had a passion for youth. He volunteered as a youth pastor for many years with the First Baptist Church in Milpitas, California and many more with the youth of the Meeker First Baptist Church. Harvey also had a passion for trains. He was a member of the Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma (LOCO). As a member of LOCO, Harvey and his fellow members, operated large scale model railroads. These trains were large enough for people to ride. Harvey spent many hours educating and thrilling young train enthusiasts. Harvey enjoyed providing the youth with Bibles with Gideons International and was also a proud member and supporter of the American Legion of Shawnee.
Harvey was also instrumental in getting the women's track team started at Oklahoma Baptist University. He talked the athletic director and men's track coach to let his daughter compete. Her roomate joined her and the rest is history. The women's track team now has over thirty women on full scholarship and have won multiple state and national tournaments.
Harvey married the love of his life, Brenda Carol (Hogan) Cannon on February 5, 1966 in Hayward, California. The couple were married for over 55 years. They had two daughters, Holly and Heidi and seven grandchildren.
Harvey was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Glen Cannon, his mother, Beulah Cannon Gibbs; his stepmother, Jeaninine (Meurrens) Cannon and one brother, Phillip Cannon.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 55 years, Brenda Carol Cannon; two daughters, Holly J. Miller and Heidi M. McClanahan and her husband Sam; seven grandchildren, Timothy Guthrie and his wife Hannah, Nathan Guthrie, Hannah Miller, Rebekah Miller, Brenda Miller, Robert Miller and Hope Miller; five brothers, Larry Cannon, Jeff Cannon, Joe Cannon, Brian Cannon and Tim Cannon; four sisters, Debbie Anderson, Pam Perkins, Annie Taylor and Stacey Newcomb; niece, Stephanie McWilliams and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
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