The Disciples of Christ Historical Society gives thanks for the life and legacy of Weldon Green Cannon, Ph.D., who died May 23 at the age of 92. A historian, teacher, author, and generous supporter of historical work, Dr. Cannon devoted his life to research, writing, and the formation of students.
Dr. Cannon was born in Euless, Texas, and earned degrees from Abilene Christian University and Texas Christian University, with additional study at Baylor University and Oxford University. He taught history at Temple College from 1967 to 1991, where he served as division director and department chairman. Beloved by students, he was known as “the Singing Professor” for his habit of breaking into song to enliven his lectures. His scholarship focused especially on Central Texas history, including the history of Temple, Texas, railroad development, local medical institutions, and the preservation of historic communities across the region.
Dr. Cannon and his wife, Patricia “Patty” Benoit Cannon, have long been friends and benefactors of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society. Several decades ago, they helped establish the Cannon-Benoit Student Internship Fund, which supports undergraduate and graduate students seeking short-term training in archival work and research. Through this fund, the Historical Society has welcomed students preparing for careers in archives, museums, public history, and related fields. A number of Cannon-Benoit interns have gone on to make lasting contributions to the work of history, including some who later joined the Historical Society’s staff.
“Weldon and Patty’s generosity has made a lasting impact on the Historical Society and on the students who have come through the Cannon-Benoit internship,” said Joel Brown, President and Historian of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society. “When I visited Weldon and Patty in their home in Temple, Texas, I came away deeply grateful for Weldon’s love of history, his dedication to understanding the Stone-Campbell Movement in all its breadth—as someone with both Churches of Christ and Disciples connections—and his passion for teaching and forming students.”
The Historical Society joins Patty, their family, former students, colleagues, and many friends in giving thanks for Weldon Cannon’s life and witness. We are especially grateful for the enduring legacy of the Cannon-Benoit Student Internship Fund and for the many students whose lives and vocations have been shaped by Weldon and Patty’s generosity.
You can read reflections from the two most recent Cannon-Benoit interns here:
2025 Cannon-Benoit Intern: Harrison Miller
2025 Cannon-Benoit Intern: Tristan Spangler-Dunning
A celebration of life for Dr. Cannon will be held Saturday, June 13, at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 300 N. Main St., Temple, Texas. The service will be livestreamed through the church’s Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Temple College Foundation for the Weldon G. Cannon Teaching Scholarship or to Christ Episcopal Church in Temple.