Shirley June Cannon

Shirley Cannon passed away peacefully at her home on March 5, 2023, after a brief illness, surrounded by her family. She had been vibrant and active up until the end of her life and continued to drive, exercise and maintain her home at age 93.

Shirley was born in Adrian, MI in 1929, to Chester and Dorothy Baker of Tecumseh, MI. Shirley attended Siena Heights University and later taught school in Saline and Tipton, MI. She also spent time as an American Airlines stewardess where she was voted Miss American Airlines and Miss Lake Huron. Shirley had her first date with William (Bill) Cannon of Manchester, MI on St. Patrick’s Day and they were later married on August 21, 1954. Shortly after marriage, they moved to Casablanca, Morocco where Lieutenant Bill Cannon was stationed in the Air Force and Shirley continued her work as a model.

Shirley raised her two children, David and Tami, while Bill remained in the military for 20 years as a pilot in the Strategic Air Command. They lived in multiple locations across the U.S. and overseas. Shirley and Bill later obtained their real estate licenses and embarked on 2 decades of real estate development, refurbishing over 50 homes.

After Bill Cannon’s death in July 1998, Shirley relocated from Michigan to Perrysburg, OH. Several years later she met her companion of 24 years, Tom Specht. Shirley was known for her grace, charm, warmth, friendliness and sense of humor. Those that knew her will never forget her positive spirit, Christian values and optimistic outlook on life. Her children and grandchildren would frequently discuss how Shirley’s positive energy, warmth and interest in others, would always leave them feeling better about themselves and life in general.

She is survived by her son David Cannon, Rye, NY, daughter Tammar Klinksiek, Lexington, KY, son in law Sid Klinksiek, Lexington, KY, brother Bruce Baker, Cadillac, MI, sister Connie Greenfield, Adrian, MI, grandchildren Blake, Weston, Grant and Slade Klinksiek and Daniel, Nicholas and Ava Cannon.

Visitation will be held at the Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. Boundary St. Perrysburg, OH (419-874-3133) on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 1:00-3:00pm, with the service immediately after, beginning promptly at 3:00pm. Interment will follow at Ft. Meigs Cemetery, Perrysburg. Memorial donations may be made to Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice, 1730 S. Reynolds Rd. Toledo, OH 43614 in memory of Shirley Cannon.