Pastor Bob and Shirley Cannon are this years Grand Marshals for the 2014 Oracle Oaks Festival. Bob and Shirley were high school sweethearts and were married in 1950. Pastor Bob received a football scholarship to the University of Arizona. He then joined the Air Force during the Korean War. He was deployed to France and while there became a Christian and developed a desire to become a preacher. After he left the Air Force he started preaching and then began missionary work. Pastor Bob and Shirley went on a three year mission to Pretoria, South Africa in 1968. There six children went with them. He directed Bible School and was involved in many building projects.

After returning from their mission, Pastor Bob began preaching. He preached many years for a number of different churches in various states. In 1990 Bob and Shirley moved to Oracle from Northern California. Pastor Bob had retired but his heart was still in preaching the word of God. The Tri-Community Christian Fellowship, a group of about 30 people, were in need of a pastor and Pastor Bob answered the call. They were then able to buy some property on Highway 77 and built a sanctuary that has become the Living Word Chapel. The church congregation grew to 225. It now has two Sunday services and around 375 parishioners under Senior Pastor James Ruiz who took over from Pastor Bob. Pastor Bob led the Living Word Chapel’s first mission to Guatemala and still works with the church with their building programs.

Shirley has also been very active in the community. Besides being a support to her husband, she has taught swimming lessons in Oracle and SaddleBrooke. She is an active member of the Oracle Community Center. Pastor Bob and Shirley have six children, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Congratulations on being honored as the 2014 Oracle Oaks Festival Grand Marshals and thank you for your service to the community.

Information courtesy Oracle Oaks Festival newspaper.

Staff (5800 Posts)

There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.

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