Kenneth Allen Cannon, 74

Kenneth Allen Cannon, 74, of Hendersonville died Friday, April 18, 2014 at Park Ridge Hospital.

He was born on April 25, 1939, in Henderson County to the late Connie Devotion Cannon and Grace Hyder Cannon. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers.

Mr. Cannon was a lifelong resident of Henderson County; he was a charter member of Fair Haven Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for 46 years. He was a skilled rock mason for over 60 years and owned and operated his own business for over 30 years. In addition, he was also employed by General Electric and Cranston Print Works. He was a loving husband, a hard worker, and he was the best daddy and brother, but his purpose on earth was to be a Papaw. He was known as "Papaw" to many other children. One word to describe him is faithful. Not only to his family, but also to his church and to God.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Lou Cannon of the home; two sons, Michael Cannon and his wife, Wanda, Jeff Cannon and his wife, Stephanie; four grandchildren, Natalie, Nick, Chelsa, and Kimberly Cannon; two brothers; eight sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and doctors of Park Ridge Hospital, especially to his nurse, Stephanie Arriaga for their loving care and support.

Funeral services will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at Fair Haven Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Norris, and Brother Phillip Kuykendall officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectively requests that memorial donations be directed to Fair Haven Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 5067 Hendersonville, NC 28793.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.