SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 566


In Memory

of

H.D. Cannon


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the 
citizens of Houston in mourning the loss of H.D. Cannon, who
died April 3, 2003 at the age of 78; and

	WHEREAS, H.D. was born December 15, 1924, in Donie, Texas, 
to Ezra and Dora Cannon; he attended schools in the Donie Public 
School System and Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical 
College; and

	WHEREAS, He moved to Houston in 1942 and married
Mildred "Billie" Stephens in 1944; the couple was married
26 years and was blessed with three daughters, Beverly Daphne, 
Deborah Arnesia, and Tonie Cannon; in 1974, he married
JoAnn Funchess and they had one son, Chad Christopher Cannon;
and

	WHEREAS, Over the years, H.D. worked for Southern Pacific 
Railroad, Ye Ole College Inn, and Sakowitz, and he was employed 
with Continental Airlines for 24 years until his retirement in 
1995; and

	WHEREAS, In the 1950s, he exhibited an entrepreneurial 
spirit that lasted into the 21st century; he and Billie 
established a joint venture as independent contractors with the 
Square Deal Cab Company and also co-owned a family catering 
service; in 1978, he and JoAnn founded Classic Limousine Service, 
the second black-owned limousine company in the Houston 
Metropolitan area; and

	WHEREAS, A man of integrity, strength, and generosity,
Mr. Cannon gave unselfishly of his time to others, and his 
wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those 
who knew him; and

	WHEREAS, H.D. Cannon dedicated his life to Christ at an 
early age and was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church; he was a 
devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind 
memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many 
friends; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 
bereaved family of H.D. Cannon:  his wife, JoAnn Cannon; his 
daughters, Beverly Roberts, Deborah Bell, and Tonja Cannon; his 
son, Chad Cannon; his stepson, Kevin Funchess; his sister,
Ethel Mae Hubbard; and his three grandchildren and great-grandson; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared
for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the
Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day,
it do so in memory of H.D. Cannon.
                                                                           Ellis




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 7, 2003, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate