Frederic David Cannon, born October 2, 1942, in Struthers, Ohio, passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 5, 2024, at Danbury Senior Living in Wooster, Ohio.
Fred graduated from The Ohio State University in 1965 with a degree in Dairy Science, where he was a proud member of the National Champion Dairy Judging Team. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and pillar of the Wayne County community, Fred leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and passion for the land and people he cherished.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Phyllis; son David (Verity); daughter Tracy Heck (Thomas); grandchildren Christopher and Isabelle Cannon, and Noah and Christian Heck. Fred was a dear brother to Janet Sheban, brother-in-law to Brenda Hoffman (Kirby), and the late Larry and Paul Spencer. He was a cherished uncle to Chris, Kara, Michelle, Joanna, Tammy, and Nick, Rhonda, Kim, and Na-Na and mourned the loss of his nephew Kevin Hoffman.
Fred was a highly successful and honored dairy farmer for over 30 years and served three terms as Wayne County Commissioner from 1992 to 2004. He was also the president of the Milk Producers Association, where he championed the agriculture community. His passion for preserving farmland was matched only by his commitment to restoring historic barns and buildings, founding his barn restoration business, Barn Again. Among his many notable projects was the restoration of a historic building on the Carnegie estate on Cumberland Island, Georgia.
Fred had an unwavering dedication to the Wayne County Fair, serving as an announcer and organizer of the horse pull event and remaining one of its most passionate supporters. His name became synonymous with the fair, and he loved nothing more than celebrating the community’s traditions.
An eternal optimist and handyman with a love for woodworking, Fred’s warmth and humor made him a stranger to no one. He was an avid follower of local sports, cheering tirelessly for the Triway Titans and his Ohio State Buckeyes. Fred never missed an event involving his children or grandchildren, whether a game or competition —always putting family first.
Fred will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, someone who could bring a smile to anyone’s face and forge connections wherever he went. He loved life and gave selflessly to his family, friends, and community.
Calling hours will be held at McIntire, Bradham, & Sleek Funeral Home located at 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster on Sunday, December 15 from 1:00-4:00 pm. Immediately following, a reception celebrating Fred’s life will take place from 4:00-6:00 pm at The Chalet at Freedlander Park located at 400 Hillside Dr, Wooster. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Killbuck Watershed Land Trust, 133 South Market Street, Wooster, Ohio 44691 honoring Fred’s lifelong passion or your charity of choice.
Fred’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, a shining example of love, kindness, and unwavering commitment to family and community.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
My sincere condolences to Fred’s family. Fred was a good and kind man, a good friend, a good public servant and strong advocate of Wayne County agriculture.
Prayers for Phyllis and family. Fred was a great person and will be missed.
Julie Leathers Stahl
I covered the county for the Daily Record while Fred was a commissioner. He was a pleasure to work with — honest, helpful, and a straight shooter. He wanted what was best for Wayne County and did his best to make it happen. Condolences to his family and friends, and appreciation for a life well lived.
My thoughts and prayers go with you, and your family . Fred was a good man . He will be missed .
Our sympathies to Phyllis and family with the passing of Fred.
Fred was one of the very best men I have ever known. I had so much respect for him for his honesty and dedication to everything near and dear to him. He was a real man.
Phyllis, I wish I could take your pain away! Fred was one of a kind. Thank you for sharing him with us the last couple years. It was an honor and I am so grateful that I met you!! You will stay in my thoughts and prayers!! Love you!
Phyllis, I’m thinking of you at this difficult time. Having shared many years together, your memories of Fred will come to be a great comfort. Yet the pain of loss cannot be avoided, and I pray you find strength through your faith and loving friends and family. From many years ago, Jane Roberts.
Our deepest condolences to the Cannon family. When my husband was in high school, he worked for Fred and enjoyed his time at the Cannon farm. We always watched the horse hitches before we had children and took our children to watch the hitches, it was the highlight of their fair. Fred was our favorite announcer.
Our deepest sympathy and respect,
The Chad Oneacre Family
We are deeply sorry for such a great loss in your family, Phyllis. We are praying for all of you and that God’s comfort would hover over you and carry you all through this very difficult time.
Those of us involved with Friends of Ohio Barns are so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was an integral part of our statewide non profit being formed. His love of farming, livestock and historic barns brought him to our first barn conference in Wooster in 2000 at Fisher Auditorium. He enjoyed that event so much that he volunteered to be on the steering committee that worked to form our organization. His energetic support of the idea of saving historic barns lead him to introduce us to a wide network of his friends in Wayne County. Those folks, like Ron Holtman and Maryanna Biggio, encouraged by Fred, shared their knowledge and time to pave the way for us to receive our non profit status as a state wide organization dedicated to educating the public regarding the value of our historic timber framed barns. Fred was a signor on our articles of incorporation in September 2001. Although we tried to hold on to him as a board member his duties as Commissioner and farmer did not allow that commitment of time. I do not know how many barns he was involved with mending, rebuilding and guaranteeing their futures but there are many. And those he trained to do that work are still following in his footsteps. We are grateful for his involvement on many levels. With great respect and appreciation we say goodbye to an excellent and generous “barn loving” man.
Laura Saeger, Rudy Christian and members of Friends of Ohio Barns
Phyllis and family my thoughts and prayers go with you. Gods Bless and keep you in his loving arms.
Farmer, friend and neighbor to us. Fred was one in a million. Always happy to lend a hand to a fellow farmer. He and my Dad, Bill Troutman are exchanging stories in the beautiful hay fields of heaven.
Our sincere condolences to Phyllis and family.
Lori and Rick Hinderer
Your forever neighbors
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God give comfort and peace.
Love,
Barb and Duke Murphy
Our sympathies and prayers to Phyllis and family in the passing of Fred.
Sincerely,
Dwight & Vicki Roseler
Our deepest sympathies. So many of our Old Wayne County farmers have gone. We will be praying for all of you and missing him with you. Much love and many hugs.
What a profound loss. My thoughts are with all of you. He will be missed.
My sincere condolences go out to you, Tracy and all of your family. I am sorry to learn of your loss at a later date and missed the calling hours. You are missed by many. My heart joins others in holding you dear.