Harry W. Cannon, Jr.

Harry W. Cannon, Jr., PhD, a longtime resident of Windsor Heights and West Des Moines, died July 21, 2024 at his home in Waukee, Iowa.

Harry was born in the small Louisiana town of Jena December 16, 1929 to H.W. Cannon, Sr. and Lonie (Coon) Cannon. He was ordained a deacon in the Methodist Church early in his career, but after receiving his doctorate from the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia, he chose to spend his life in college and university administration and teaching. When Parsons College, where he was Chairman of the Department of Business closed, Harry continued to live in Fairfield. While in Fairfield, he served on the City Council for twelve years and was the founding president of the Fairfield Economic Development Association.

The last years of Harry’s career were spent as a Deputy Director of the Iowa Department of Corrections, which he found to be the most interesting and challenging position he ever held. His responsibilities there included Iowa Prison Industries, where inmates were taught industrial and other skills in preparation for their release, and the eleven thousand acres of farm land at the state’s prison and mental health institutions.

Harry and Madalene were married for 68 happy years, and are eternally thankful for that day in 1954 when they met on a blind date that changed their life forever, and blessed them through many good and bad years. Harry was also a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

He is survived by his son, H. Walton Cannon (Deb Slivinsky) of Whidbey Island, WA; daughter, Kimberly Noyes (Tony Wilburn) of Leslie, MO; granddaughter, Jessica; great-grandsons, Chase and Brett all of New Haven, MO; and sister, Rosemary (Richard) Watkins of Austin, TX.
He was preceded in death by his wife Madalene (Kennedy) Cannon.

A celebration of life will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Windsor United Methodist Church or to St. Croix Hospice in loving memory of Harry.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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