Joseph Cannon was the eldest son of Hershel D. and Iva Mae (Chitty) Cannon and the eldest brother in a family of seven boys and three girls. He served with the Civilian Conservation Corps before volunteering for the U.S. Army at age 19 during World War II. Assigned to Company F, 157th Infantry, 45th Division, he served in North Africa, Italy, France, and into Germany from April 6, 1943 through December 11, 1945, and was honorably discharged after being awarded the Bronze Star. After the war, he worked at Sangamo Electric and Diagraph Bradley, married Clara (Echols) Cannon, and had four sons. He was known for his great love for God, family, and country.