Jere Cannon

Jere Lee Cannon, 81, of Flemingsburg, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at Baptist Health Lexington.

Born in Mount Sterling, Ky. on April 17, 1941, he was the son of the late Clyde Cannon and the late Carolyn Fox Cannon.

Jere was a graduate of Morehead State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.  He began buying angus heifers with his brother Charles and showing steers for a 4-H project.  In 1952 Stone Gate Farms was born.    He was a member of the Future Farmers of America and served in the State Office of Secretary in 1961.  He was a founding member of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and a member of the Fleming County Cattlemen’s Association.  He served on the Beef Improvement Federation Board.  He had been a member of the Fleming County Farm Bureau for 40 years where he served as President and served on the local beef committee and the State Beef Committee.  Jere served on the local board of Southern States Cooperative and was elected to serve on the Regional Board of Directors of Southern States, in Richmond, Virginia from 1975 to 2005.  He was a member of the Kentucky Angus Association and a lifetime member of the American Angus Association.  Stone Gate Farms was selected as the Kentucky Angus Association Breeder of the Year in 2006 and received the Kentucky Angus Association Historic Herd Award in 2008. Jere and Charles received the Angus Heritage Foundation Award. He was the Chamber of Commerce Ag Leader of the Year and was nominated for Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year.  On the forefront of agriculture exploration in cattle breeding and genetics, Jere knew the value of networking with other beef cattle producers not only to gain knowledge but to also improve farming practices and education.  His leadership in local, state, and national agriculture was a part of his commitment to improving agriculture for all farmers as well as mentoring young people getting into the cattle industry.   Jere was a teacher and principal at Mount Carmel Elementary and went on to be a teacher at Fleming County High School.  He was a member of the Flemingsburg Christian Church where he served as a deacon.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Jayne Clark Cannon; his daughter, Victoria Cannon (Steve Fearin); his brother, Charles (Frances) Cannon; his sister, Mary Gay Moore;  his nieces and nephews, Kerry and Jere Earlywine, Joy (Rick) Story, Clay (Becky) Cannon, Chris (Libby) Cannon;  his great nieces and nephews, Casey (Carly) Story, Corey Story, Lucas (Kirsten) Cannon, Lauren (Seth) Fritz, Caleb (Danielle) Cannon, and Carson Cannon; along with other family members and friends.  

The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 6, 2022, at the Flemingsburg Christian Church with Clay Cannon and Daryl Grannis officiating.

Jere will be laid to rest in Fleming County Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Casey Story, Corey Story, Keith Phillips, Tyler Story, Tim DeAtley, Steve Fearin, Ryan Owens, and Matt Story.  Honorary pallbearers include Rick Story, Donnie Story, Gerald Gray, Billy Smathers, Lucas Cannon, and Chris Cannon.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday night, at the church located at 201 East Water Street in downtown Flemingsburg

In place of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Jere to  Fleming County 4-H (P. O. Box 192, Flemingsburg, KY 41041)  and/or the Fleming County FFA  (1658 Elizaville Road, Flemingsburg, KY 41041).

Jere and his family are being cared for by Boone-Nickell Funeral Home.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com

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