Eldon Glen Cannon was born in Salem, Oregon on June 17, 1938, the only child of Jetty Verne Cannon and Avis Marie (Hicks) Cannon. He spent his early years in Eastern Oregon, Salem, and Woodburn.
At age 17, Eldon enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Bitburg Air Force Base in Bitburg, West Germany, which gave him the opportunity to explore Europe by motorcycle. After returning home to Woodburn after his military service, he decided to attend Mount Angel College. He really enjoyed roller skating and one night in May, 1960, he met Judy Lang at the skating rink. They married on September 23, 1960. Not long after, Eldon re-enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served in the Air Force working in vehicle maintenance and achieved the level of journeyman mechanic. He was stationed in Duluth, Minnesota, Libya, Thailand, Rhein Main AFB in Frankfurt, West Germany, Spangdahlem AFB, also in West Germany, Laughlin AFB in Del Rio TX and 3 tours at Beale AFB in Northern California. After retiring from the military, Eldon and the family returned to Salem, Oregon, and after a few months of truck driving school, settled in Woodburn. He worked for Arrow Transportation, Santry Trucking, Freightliner, WINCO foods and even owned his own truck for awhile.
Eldon loved riding motorcycles and enjoyed dirt bike racing in earlier years and traveling the highways locally and across the country in his later years. He attained certification with the Iron Butt Association, which is dedicated to safe, long-distance motorcycle riding and enjoyed participating in Iron Butt Rallies and other motorcycle events. He belonged to motorcycle and Corvette clubs and the trip planning activities and club events kept him busy and happy as the years passed by.
Eldon was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, a Veteran, Boy Scout leader, a Mason (Scottish Rite Temple), a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie #3284 in Woodburn, Oregon, and he enjoyed getting together with his classmates from Woodburn High School every month.
Eldon is preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law and his wife Judy. He is survived by his three sons, Michael (Gail), John (Tammera), and David (Shonda) and by his daughter Tamara (David), five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Eldon will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery, as is his wife, Judy.