Lyndole "Squat" Cannon

Lyndole Raymond “Squat” Cannon passed peacefully from his earthly life at the age of 83 after living with Alzheimer’s disease for many years. Squat was born in Bowie County, Texas, leaving New Boston High School to enlist in the U.S. Air Force in 1949. As luck would have it, he was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas where he served as drummer in the Air Force Band. The consummate prankster earned the favor of his commanding officers by introducing them to the joys of cinnamon toast and chocolate milk...and probably little else. Upon returning to New Boston, he served in the 49th Armored Division of the Texas Air National Guard and also served in the New Boston Volunteer Fire Department. After marrying his sweetheart and the birth of his sons, he was invited by Chief J.C. Swadley to apply for a position with the Grand Prairie Fire Department. He drove his beloved 1929 Ford Model A to Grand Prairie and served proudly in the GPFD from December of 1958 until his retirement as a Lieutenant in 1986. Few men have ever loved their job more. The fire department schedule afforded him the opportunity to exercise his entrepreneurial spirit as well. Many Grand Prairie families would be raised in his rental properties, and he found great satisfaction in helping other entrepreneurs to thrive by investing in their ventures or offering them reasonably-priced offices and storefronts along Main Street. Always civic minded, he was known for his willingness to help his friends, family, and his community. He loved offering his beloved antique vehicles for parades, including an antique fire truck that had served the City of Grand Prairie for many, many years. He is a long time member of the Congregational Methodist Church of Grand Prairie and a Life Member of the Grand Prairie Historical Organization. Squat is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jo Ellen Cannon, his namesake Lyndole Raymond (Ray) Cannon, Jr. and wife Debra of Terrell, Texas; daughter Doris Cannon (Darcy) Harris and husband Phil of Grand Prairie; sister Doris Pierce of New Boston, Texas; six grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and four brothers, as well as two sons, William Lynn and Perry Michael Cannon. Visitation will be on Monday, January 5th from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at Guerrero-Dean Funeral Home, 500 E, Main in Grand Prairie. A funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Grand Prairie on Tuesday, January 6th at 10:00am, followed by interment at Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens. Squat’s life exemplified the mission of “Hearts and Hoses”, a non-profit organization volunteering time and effort to “support the Grand Prairie Fire Department, firefighters, and community members adversely affected by fire loss; and endeavors to recognize brave men and women for their outstanding service and dedication to the citizens of Grand Prairie.” Therefore, if you wish to make a tax-deductible memorial donation in lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest the Hearts and Hoses Organization or Children First Counseling Center, another local organization near and dear to his heart

Lyndole "Squat" Cannon

February 21, 1931 - January 1, 2015