Robert Cannon

**Robert Cannon**, 86, of Versailles passed away Thursday, April 7, 2011 at the Palms of Sebring Assisted Living Center in Sebring, Florida. He was born near North Vernon on October 11, 1924 the son of Oliver and Clara Cunningham Cannon. He was married to Mary Alice Updike on July 14, 1943 and she preceded him in death on December 21, 2004. Survivors include one daughter Jeanie (Charles) Benham of Memphis; grandchildren Dusty Benham of Memphis and Michelle Cannon of Indianapolis. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael, sisters Lillian Stearns and Betty Johnston, and his brother Loring "Bud" Cannon. Mr. Cannon was a 1942 graduate of North Vernon High School. He served three years with the Coast Guard during WWII as a radio operator aboard an LST that was first to land troops and supplies on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war Bob attended the Valparaiso Technical Institute and was employed with the Indiana State Police Communications Division for 38 years in Indianapolis, Seymour, and Versailles retiring in 1986. He helped organize the first PTA at Versailles and was district director for the Indiana Congress of Parents and Teachers. Bob also taught electronics at the Southeastern Career Center and assisted with construction and testing of WRBI radio in Batesville and served as their chief operator. He was licensed by the FCC as a First Class Radiotelephone operator, a Second Class radiotelegraph operator, and an Amateur Radio Operator (Ham) and was a member of the Ripley County Repeaters Association. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 14 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. John Scudder officiating. Burial will be in the Vernon Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 10am until time of services. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.