Boles Funeral Home
After a joyous 102-year life full of adventures, Kevin William Gannon has embarked on yet another journey. On June 12, 2024, he set off to join his creator and reunite with loved ones.
Kevin was born on May 25, 1922 in Maumee, Ohio, the beloved son of the late Kevin Augustin Gannon and Olive Zeller Gannon. Growing up along the Maumee River shaped his enduring love of nature, piqued his lasting interest in history, and nurtured his appreciation of beauty. He enjoyed an idyllic river-town boyhood when the river was so clean he could cup his hands and drink its waters.
Kevin began playing golf as a child at Heatherdowns Country Club, then caddied at Toledo Country Club. He golfed regularly for over 90 years, sinking more than a dozen holes in one. Along with his father and other Maumee golfers, he founded Hickory Hills Golf Club, just past Riverside Cemetery.
After graduating from Maumee High School, Kevin attended the University of Toledo until the United States entered World War 2. He served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard on the USCGC Haida and the USS W.P. Richardson.
After the war, Kevin returned to Maumee. On the day he met the love of his life Doris (Dorrie) Katherine Jones, he told her he was going to marry her. And he did. They shared a wonderful life of love, travel, and laughter for nearly 70 years.
Kevin directed an occupational work experience program at Whitmer High School for many years, helping young people find their way in the world. He favored underdogs, late bloomers, and those needing a second chance.
In retirement, Kevin and Dorrie lived in Florida for 25 years before moving to the Carolinas to be closer to their children.
While Kevin will be well remembered for his wry wit, natural charm, and loving heart, he may be most fondly cherished for his deft gift of language. Kevin easily found the right words to comfort, counsel, or compliment. In the Irish tradition of a seancha? or storyteller, he could make us laugh out loud or choke back tears - often within the same sentence.
Kevin was predeceased by his adored wife Dorrie, his beloved grandchildren John Gannon Ammons and Erin Gannon Burns, his only sibling Evelyn Gannon Sullivan, and his good lapcat Harley.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Tara (Ron) Burns, Lynne (John) Ammons, Kevin (Elizabeth) Gannon, and Leigh (Gary) Gannon; grandchildren Patrick (Kacie) Burns, Meghan (Peter) Wright and their daughter Scarlet, Julie Gannon, and Kelly Gannon; great grandchildren Gannon Ammons and Avalyn Ammons and their mother Cassie West; nephews Tom Jones and Jerry (Judy) Jones; and good friend Billie McCoy from Vunce-in-dan.
Wherever our Kevin now happily roams - along a five-par fairway, beside that boyhood river, through an autumn cornfield - he is safe in the care of our Lord and he carries with him, like a pocketed buckeye, our deep and eternal love.
On line condolences can be made to www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
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