George Lawrence (G.L.) Cannon, 91, of Morton Illinois, ascended into heaven at 3:45 A.M., Thursday, February 24, 2022 at home.

Born July 12, 1930 to Hershel and Iva Mae (Chitty) Cannon, he graduated from Marion High School in 1948. He was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Co. in 1948 and served in the United States Air Force from 1950 - 1954. George married Joy (Fry) December 28, 1952, and she survives. He received an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Staff Sergeant, then resumed working at Caterpillar, retiring as Illustrator in 1982, after almost 34 years of service. George attended Illinois Central College and Bradley University, majoring in Commercial, Graphics, and Fine Arts. One of his early hobbies was flying model airplanes as a member of the "Marion Sky Devils" and he flew a 1946 Aeronca Champion out of Byerly Aviation at Mt. Hawley Airport. He was elected to the Creve Coeur Board of Trustees, was a member of the Creve Coeur Lion's Club, a member of the Society of Technical Communications, a member of Peoria Gun Club, a member of Kennel Lake Sportsman Club, and a member of Eastside (athletic) Center in East Peoria. Another "hobby" George enjoyed was creating art, including sketches, paintings, and sculptures. His 9ft sculpture, entitled "Hope", created from a tree in his back yard, is now displayed in Carterville's Community Center located in Cannon Park, Carterville, IL.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joy, two daughters; Diana (Dale) Hovey of Morton, IL and Janice (Gary) Witt of Jerseyville, IL, three grandchildren, Brandon (Amanda) Hovey of Morton, Grant Hovey of De Moines, IA, and Megan Witt (Ben) Childers of Carterville, IL, great grandson, Cannon James Childers as well as two step grandchildren, Chris Hovey and Jennifer Hovey Spencer and step great grandsons Darian and Dalton. Also surviving are three brothers, James of Chicago, Richard (Rita) of Carbondale, and Kenneth (Jo Nell) of Mt. Vernon, two brothers-in law: Jim (Deanne) Fry of Florida and Bob Smithson (sister Beverly's husband) also of Florida. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished dogs: Snowy and Leo. Preceding him in Heaven include his parents, three brothers; Raymond, Gerald, and Joseph (Clara), and three sisters, Jeanetta Kay (infant), Beverly (Smithson), and June (Boswick).

A memorial service will be at 9:45 am Saturday, March 12, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Morton, where military honors will be accorded after the services.  Visitation will begin at 9 am at the church.  Cremation rites have been accorded. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to Roland Manor Baptist Church, 2433 Washington Rd, Washington, IL 61571 where George and his family were active members for many years, or First Baptist Church, 900 East Jefferson, Morton, IL 61550 where he and Joy transferred membership when they relocated to Morton.