Helen Louise Gannon

Helen Louise Henderson Gannon, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 2,

2026, at Temple Rehabilitation Hospital. Born on February 6, 1930, in Lexington,

Kentucky, she was the youngest of five children born to Henry Bowyer and Mabel Wyatt

Henderson.

Helen graduated from Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky, and attended

Transylvania University for two years before marrying Jack Wiley Gannon Sr. of

Mayfield, Kentucky, June 10, 1950.

While attending Transylvania University (1948–1950), Helen was a member of Phi Mu

Sorority and played point guard for the Transylvania women's basketball team. During

Jack's service in the U.S. Air Force, Helen worked as a civilian typist for the Air Force.

Following his discharge, Jack returned to college to complete his degree while the

couple began raising their family. Four years later, they moved to Jack's hometown in

Mayfield, Kentucky.

Once their children were in school, Helen returned to the workforce. For many years,

she managed forty rental properties for Dr. Robert O. Vaughn from her home in

Mayfield. She later served as receptionist and secretary to Kentucky State Senator

Carroll Hubbard before becoming a teller at Exchange Bank of Mayfield.

In 1975, Helen and Jack embarked on a new venture, purchasing a franchised

hardware store in Hickman, Kentucky. Working side by side, they operated the business

for nearly four decades, evolving from Western Auto (1975–1984) to Gannon's True

Value (1984–2003) and ultimately Gannon's Hardware (2003–2012). For several years,

Helen also served as secretary of the Hickman River City Development Corporation

(HRCDC).

Faith was a guiding force throughout Helen's life. A lifelong member of the Christian

Church, she faithfully attended in her hometown of Lexington, directed the children's

choir for many years in Mayfield, and remained active in the church while living in

Hickman. After moving to Temple in 2017, she was a devoted viewer who continued to

find spiritual encouragement through the messages of Dr. Charles Stanley.

During Helen’s years in Temple, she enjoyed attending many SPJST events with family

members and creating cherished memories together. She was also proud to be a

member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and had maintained her

membership in the Betty Martin Chapter for the past six years.

Helen was a devoted and supportive mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She is

lovingly remembered by her children: Terry Lynn Gannon Pinkston (Bill) of Rockville,

Maryland; Nancy Anne Gannon Miller (Jerry) of Temple, Texas; Jack Wiley Gannon Jr.

(Molly) of Hickman, Kentucky; and David Neil Gannon (Beth) of Richmond, Kentucky.

She also leaves behind twelve cherished grandchildren: Amanda Pinkston (Peter

Dennis), Matthew (Amelia) Pinkston, Russell (Sophie) Pinkston, Jennifer Miller, Danielle

Miller, Kathleen Miller, John Wiley Gannon, Catherine Gannon, Caitlin G. (Dylan)

Darnell, Bryanna G. (Jon) Sowder, Allyson G. (Zach) Lehman, and Neely Gannon.

Helen was blessed with six great-grandchildren and eagerly anticipated the arrival of

another. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families, all of

whom held a special place in her heart.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Henry Bowyer and

Mabel Wyatt Henderson; her sisters, Virginia H. Pieratt and Shields H. Wash; and her

brothers, Henry B. Henderson Jr. and Joseph Henderson.

Helen will be remembered for her enduring faith, strong work ethic, devotion to family,

and the kindness and encouragement she shared with all who knew her.

Memorial services will be held in Hickman, Kentucky, with burial at Highland Cemetery

in Mayfield, Kentucky at a later date.