from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Franklin C. Gannon Sr., 81, died Aug. 20, 2014, at Genesis Healthcare, The Pines.

Born in Cordova, Md., on Sept. 28, 1932, he was the son of the late James Leo and Ethel Marie Rhodes Gannon. He resided in Easton, Md., and graduated from Easton High School. He married Helen Mae Butler on June 12, 1954.

Raised as a Catholic, Mr. Gannon’s passion centered on his religious devotion and the church. He lived primarily in Queen Anne’s County where he raised cows and also raced Standardbreds.

Ever the horseman, Mr. Gannon raced up and down the east coast from Virginia to New York for more than 50 years, receiving accolades such as three horses winning Horse of the Year honors at Rosecroft Raceway and Ocean Downs.

When he was not racing, Mr. Gannon enjoyed dancing, singing and spending time cheering on his grandchildren. He also had a great passion for bowling and in 2001 was inducted into the Greater Eastern Shore Bowling Association. He was devoted to the Orioles and he enjoyed watching the Ravens.

Mr. Gannon is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen Mae; children, Darlene (Stephen) Prentice, Frank Jr. (Joan) and Mary Ann (Matt) Ewing; grandchildren, Gary (Lori) Garvey, Bill (Jen) Andrews, Frank III (Liz), Justin (Amanda), Jen (Mike) Geoffroy, Ashley Phillips and Amber Phillips; great-grandchildren, Megan Garvey, Addison Garvey, Gabby Geoffroy, Quinn and Payton Andrews; and siblings, Holton, Vincent, Regina Russ and Mary Jo Jump. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Anna Mae Rash, Eugene, Clara Herzog, Jimmy Jr., Billy, Marie Dudley, Eddie and Bobby.

Friends may call on Wednesday (Aug. 27) from 6-8 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., 200 S. Harrison St., Easton. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday (Aug. 28). Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Cordova.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1850 York Rd., Timonium, MD 21093.

For online contributions, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com.