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Farewell to a local legend. Delbert Cannon passed away on May 15 and went to be home with our Lord in heaven. His last three months on earth was a series of difficult health issues that he faced with great courage and suffering. His children and their families were blessed to honor and support him through this difficult time, helping him to remain in his own home. Up to his last days he maintained his great sense of humor and bright spirited smile, both of which we will all miss dearly.
A memorial service will be held on Delbert’s birthday – Sunday, May 26 — at New Life Church in Powell at 3 p.m. A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge.
Delbert was born on May 26, 1939 to Elbert and Madge (Morse) Cannon in Bridger, Montana. He grew up in Powell with his brothers Denny and Jim, and graduated with the class of 1957. He took after his father’s passion for music and became a self-taught guitarist and singer. As a teenager he began performing alongside Elbert at the Sage Creek Club dances in Cody. This was the start of a lifelong pursuit of entertaining people all across the Big Horn Basin. Over the years he performed with many wonderful local musicians who became good friends. He also got to share this love of music and performing with his brother Jim as well as his brother-in-law, Bill Eaton. He entertained with the Pop-A-Tops for many years, and later had the Del Cannon Band, which played at several local events and were regulars at The Colonels and Cassies in Cody. Many people near and far enjoyed listening and dancing to his music for over 65 years. With help from his good friend, Ed Cook, and other musicians, he produced two CDs.
Delbert married the love of his life, Rose Eaton, on Nov. 17, 1960. Four children were born from this union — Julie, Jeff, Jeanine and Jim. They made their home in Powell where Delbert worked as a roughneck in local oilfields and eventually, with Rose and his brother Jim and his wife, Sandi, started a roustabout business called Cannon Bros. Inc., that operated for 20 years. He and Rose were entrepreneurs over the years, also owning and operating The Hair Hut and The Sure Bet Café in Powell. Delbert worked hard to raise and support his family, including helping to care for his parents and Rose’s parents Mae and Bill Eaton. Del and Rose were married 46 years. Following Rose’s death in 2007, Delbert organized an Elks scholarship for nursing students at Northwest College to honor her.
He was a member of the Elks and Eagles clubs in Powell and enjoyed many good times with friends. He also loved horses and enjoyed pack trips in the mountains with friends and family. Delbert will certainly be remembered as a nice guy who was always good to people. He volunteered his musical talent at Powell Valley Care Center, The Heartland and the Rocky Mountain Manor. He also played and sang at many funerals for friends and loved ones over the years. His final act of giving was one of helping others through Donor Alliance.
Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers, daughter Jeanine, and grandsons Olen Braa and Rowdy Cannon. He is survived by his daughter, Julie and her children Taunya (Chad) Iverson, Ashley (Levi) Norris; his son Jeff (Leslie) and their children Danielle (Matt) Myrick, Luke, Tanner and Carson; his grandson Michael (Iram) Burnett; and his son Jim (Stacey) and their children Kiley (Matt) Brown, Kason, Kabrie (Lane) Franks and Kenna. He also had six great-grandchildren who brought him much joy: Taylor, Parker, Carli and Hayli, Daniel and Carwyn.
