“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.” Psalm 116:15
Robby Gene Cannaday, “Pappaw,” born on April 9, 1932, in Mount Vernon, Texas, passed away on June 21, 2021, at age age of 89 years at his home in Howe, Texas. Honoring his wishes, and with his soul in the presence of the Lord, Robby often expressed his request for no formal funeral service and for no flowers to be sent in his remembrance. He would rather have his friends and family spend that time with loved ones, and that a gift be given to someone in need. Robby’s home-going to his Heavenly Father was a joyful event for which he lived and prepared throughout his life. A private celebration of Robby’s life will be held by his loving family.
Robby is survived by his wife of 66 Years, Martha (Marty), with whom he shared a blessed life. He is also survived by a beloved family: His children, son, John Cannaday and wife, Debbie; daughter Robbie Mangrum and husband, David; daughter Jane Mrozinski and husband, Thomas; and son David Cannaday and his fiancé, Nikki Chapman. Robby is also survived by his grandchildren: Robert Cannaday and his wife, Kelsie; Joe Cannaday and his wife, Mady; Jon Cannaday and his wife, Ayleem; Collin Mangrum and his wife, Olivia; Loren Williams and her husband, Matt; Haley Weir and her husband, Shannon; Libby Cannaday, Sarah Cannaday, Carly Cannaday and Emma Cannaday; Levi Mrozinski, and Robby’s great grandchildren, Cole, Crew, Presley, Nora, Carson, Laurel, and Audrey. Robby is also survived by his niece, Mary Martha Stewart and her husband, Rick, and their daughter Christa; and by his nephew, Douglas Richardson and his children Taylor, Noah and Joey.
Robby was preceded in death by his father and mother, Verde and Lula Cannaday, father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Peggy Silman; and by sister- in-law, Peggy Richardson and her husband, Bob.
Robby was born in Mount Vernon, Texas, graduated from Mount Vernon schools and in 1955 earned a BS in Mathematics and an MS in Industrial Arts from East Texas State University, Commerce, Texas. Robby and Marty married on April 30, 1955, in Commerce, Texas. Robby entered the Air Force and served in the strategic air command as an officer and pilot. He taught in Port Arthur public schools, and then worked at Texas Instruments as a production supervisor and inventory control manager for 32 years in Dallas and Sherman. After retiring from Texas Instruments Robby worked part-time for Waldo Funeral Home and then as a Wal-Mart greeter for 17 years, and he considered both of those employments a pleasure rather than a job.
Robby was a member of the Howe First United Methodist Church and was devoted to the Lord all of this life. He taught Sunday School from the age of 17 until his health failed him in his 80’s. He led an exemplary Christian life before his family, friends and all who crossed his path. Robby will be remembered with high regard and much love by all who knew him, especially his family. It can be said without question that Robby Cannaday was a good and godly man, always a gentleman, and was the perfect role model of a loving husband, father and grandfather. Robby’s favorite song illustrated the life he lived:
“HE KEEPS ME SINGING” (LB. Bridgers)
There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low, “Fear not, I am with you; peace be still,” in all of life’s ebb and flow. Feasting on the riches of His grace, resting ‘neath His sheltering wing,
Always looking on His smiling face, that is why I shout and sing. Tho’ sometimes He leads thro’ waters deep, trials fall across the way,
Tho’ sometimes the path seems rough and steep, see his footprints all the way.
Soon He’s coming back to welcome me, far beyond the starry sky;
I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown; I shall reign with Him on high.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know, fills my every longing…keeps me singing as I go.”