H.R. No. 328
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of former Texas state representative Joe Barnett Cannon on
February 8, 2022, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, The son of James Barnett Cannon and Virginia Buck
Cannon, Joe Cannon was born in Thornton on January 29, 1935; he grew
up with the companionship of his big brother, Buck, and in 1940, the
family moved to Mexia; in high school, he excelled in baseball and
several other sports, and his abilities in debate earned him the
title of state declamation champion in 1950; he also became student
body president and salutatorian of his graduating class at Mexia
High; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon attended North Texas State College,
where he majored in political science and was active in the campus
community, serving as president of the debate club, rush chair of
Sigma Nu Fraternity, and president of the student body; he went on
to study law at The University of Texas and was recognized as the
Outstanding Advocate in the finals of the State Moot Court
Competition; and
WHEREAS, While finishing up law school, Mr. Cannon
successfully ran for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives,
and he ultimately served three terms in office, from 1959 to 1965;
during his tenure as a lawmaker, he was instrumental in passing
legislation to eliminate a state poll tax, to accelerate the
integration of public schools and universities, and to establish a
40-hour workweek for state school and hospital employees; moreover,
he served on a range of committees and was chair of the State
Hospitals and Special Schools Committee during the 57th Legislature
and vice chair of the Enrolled Bills Committee for the 58th
Legislature; and
WHEREAS, At the conclusion of his legislative service,
Mr. Cannon opened a law practice in Groesbeck; throughout his
distinguished legal career, he proved himself a skilled and
determined attorney and was renowned for the professionalism,
compassion, and courtesy he demonstrated in the course of his
duties; highly respected by his peers, he served as chair of the
State Bar of Texas board of directors and as chair of the district
grievance committee; in recognition of his many achievements, he
received an Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer Award from the Texas Bar
Foundation in 2010; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cannon married the former Alice Jean Sundberg in
1960, and they became the parents of two children, JoAl and Thure;
following the passing of Alice Jean, Mr. Cannon was fortunate
enough to find love again with Debra K. Goodwin, and the couple were
wed in 2000; over the years, he had the pleasure of seeing his
family grow to include two stepsons, David and Thomas, two
grandsons, Knox and Nash, and five step-grandchildren, Graham,
Lily, Harrison, Everett, and Jude; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, an accomplished attorney, and
a dedicated public servant, Joe Cannon is deeply missed, but he
leaves behind a legacy that will long be treasured by all those who
held him dear; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable Joe
Barnett Cannon and extend sincere condolences to his loved ones;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Joe Cannon.
Kacal
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 328 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 8, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House