Phil Cannon

(From Parker Mortuary)

April 5, 1939-June 8, 2020

Leonard Phillip Cannon transitioned into the next stage of his eternal life on June 8, 2020.

Phil, a retired speech pathologist, practiced for more than 30 years in Joplin and Carl Junction. His career began at Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center, where he established the speech therapy program.

He lived a rich spiritual life, centered around his belief in a Universal God and the inestimable worth of all God’s creations. He was a follower of Jesus’ true and undistorted teachings. His Native American heritage was instrumental in giving him love and respect for Mother Earth and indigenous wisdom and traditions.

Phil was a fifth-generation member of Community of Christ, serving as a minister since age 18. He considered church members in Joplin and worldwide his extended family.

In 1965, Phil married his best friend, Linda. They shared 54 years of mutual love, support, and respect. Their joint partnership was a manifestation of his firm belief that all are equal in rights and dignity. 

His proudest achievement was raising two beautiful women whom he adored, his daughters, Kelly and Jill; taking every opportunity to expound on their accomplishments and those of their wonderful spouses, Maureen and Sarah. He also had great love and respect for his “adopted” son, Brian Head.

Phil shared special bonds with his sister Charlotte; his classmates from Sand Springs Class of ’57; and treasured friends, especially the Clark, Paige, and West families, with whom he shared close to 150 years of collective memories.

Heartfelt thanks to all his caregivers, especially Doctors Samir Dalia, Nirmal Veeramachaneni, and Russell Kennedy. Their expertise and compassion meant so much to him. Thanks also to all of his home healthcare professionals, especially Misty, Angela, and Tony.

He was a loving husband, a great father and father-in-law, a loyal friend, and a good man.

Contributions may be made to Outreach-International.org to continue Phil’s humanitarian legacy or National German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue (gspca.org/Rescue/) to honor Phil's love for Pete, Molly, and Flash.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.