Frank Canon

Frank Lynn Canon of Magnolia, Texas, was born in Alpena, Michigan. His parents, both native Texans, were Gordon Stutts Canon and Myrtle Ruth Graham Canon. Frank passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024. Frank was raised in a loving home in Pearland, Texas. After graduating from Pearland High School in 1965, he attended Sam Houston State University where he earned a degree in Theatre Arts and met the lovely Mary Ann. On July 19, 1969, the couple married in Plantersville, Texas. Their first son, Barrett Canon, arrived in 1973 followed by Jared Canon in 1977. In 1975, Frank began work for Baroid as an oilfield mud engineer. He showed up for his first day of work in a lime-green polyester suit, which he soon traded for his trademark red jumpsuit. The family relocated to the Rocky Mountains, where they lived in New Mexico, Wyoming, and then Colorado. When he began with Baroid, Frank had no idea that he was to become a pioneer in the emerging Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Industry. In 1991 he returned to his roots in Houston, working in the newly established Baroid Industrial Drilling Products Division. By the next year, his role became entirely devoted to trenchless technology execution and education. In a career spanning over 40 years, Frank solidified legendary status in the HDD industry. In addition to practical expertise put to use in the field, he is remembered as an outstanding educator and mentor. He travelled extensively, training thousands of people a year in the best practices working with drilling fluids. He travelled the country and the globe, working on sites and teaching mud schools on every continent except Antarctica. His teaching style has been described as homespun, humorous, folksy, and memorable. He was deeply humbled by every professional accolade he received. In 1999, he was named the Trenchless Technology Person of the Year. He was also named the Texas Water Well Association’s Man of the Year in the early 90’s. In 2010, he received the North East Trenchless Association’s Founder Award. He was inducted into the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) Hall of Fame in 2012. He served on the Board of Directors for NASTT and was a reviewer and author of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) publications. Frank retired in 2015, but continued in his roles as consultant and mentor. Frank’s most recent award was his induction into the HDD Hall of Fame in 2022. Above all, Frank was a loving husband, father, and uncle. He prioritized family always and enjoyed even more time with them in retirement. He treasured the company of all of his family members, encouraged them in their pursuits and adventures, and reveled in his own ability to beat them in games. Frank is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Canon, sons Barrett Canon (Thera) and Jared Canon, nieces Anne Kish (Don) and Rosie Botkin (Ron), great-nephews Henry Botkin-Henderson and Avery Botkin-Henderson, and great nieces Audrey Kish and Norah Botkin-Henderson, two special schnauzers Seamus and Clancy Canon, and many beloved friends. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Myrtle Canon. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 10 at the Magnolia Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. followed by a service at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow immediately after the service at the Plantersville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Plantersville Baptist Church, PO Box 279, Plantersville, TX 77363. The Addison family and staff of Magnolia Funeral Home extend condolences to the Canon family during this difficult time.