Rev. Joseph Edward Cannon Sr., 76, passed away at his residence Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Jan. 10, 1936, in Baker, Fla., to parents Allen Jackson Cannon Sr. and Alice Lenora Cain Cannon.

After graduating from Texas Bible College, where he served as Dean of Men, Rev. Cannon became a church planter. Rev. Cannon pioneered churches in LaGrange, Texas, Okeechobee, Fla., and Arcadia, Fla. He served as Home Missions Director UPCI Florida District and on the Florida District Board as Presbyter. Joseph was founder and principal of Peace River Valley Christian Academy of Arcadia. He was honored as an elected official with the UPCI, and as pastor and principal however, his greatest honor was being called husband, dad, papa, and brother.

Joseph is survived by his sweet wife of 54 years, Barbara Ann Matchett Cannon; son, Joseph E. Cannon Jr. and wife, Rhonda, Rev. Jubal Cannon and wife, Tracie, Jeffery Cannon and wife, Lori, Jonathan Cannon and wife, Lisa; daughter, Michelle Ann King and husband, Rev. Allen King; brother, A.J. Cannon Jr. and wife, Margie; grandchildren, Lisandra Jenkins, Joseph E. Cannon lll “Trey Simpson,” Kaleb Cannon, Lenora Cannon, Taylor Cannon, Chris Jackson, Dustin Allen, Sheldon King, Brittany King, Joshua Cannon, Andrew Cannon, Jordan Cannon, Jax Cannon, Jonathan Cannon Jr. “Little Jon,” Justin Cannon, Jace Cannon, Annalise Cannon, Ryan Kennedy, Bryson Kennedy; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at Eastview United Pentecostal Church, 1407 N. Medford, Lufkin, Texas with Rev. Jubal Cannon, Rev. Allen King, Rev. Michael Caloway, Rev. Danny Russo, Rev. David Hunt, and Rev. Mark Green officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Nacogdoches, Texas. Rev. Cannon is preceded in death by his parents; his “special” Uncle Joe Cain and Aunt Jessie Cain who raised him; brothers, Jerry Luman Cannon, Cecil Cannon; sisters, Lillian Powell, Lucille Simmons, Bobbie Barnhill; great grandson, Jase Simpson; and great granddaughter, SaMarra Jade Jenkins. Friends and family are invited to visitation from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, at Greater Faith Tabernacle Church 2800 Old Lufkin Rd., Nacogdoches, Texas. Contributions may be offered to Greater Faith Tabernacle Church (Building Fund), 2800 Old Lufkin Rd., Nacogdoches, Texas in his honor. Streamed live via the internet may be accessed the day of the funeral at www.eastviewupc.com. Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com.

Arrangements are by Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors of Nacogdoches.