Mike Concannon

Thantus Michael “Mike” Concannon of Pascagoula, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, April 21, 2025 at age 83.  A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he lived a life full of kindness, impish humor, and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Born August 16, 1941 on the family farm in Parker, Kansas, Mike was the son of Thantus T. and Mabel J. Concannon.  Electric power did not arrive at the farm until Mike was 10.  The family got water from wells dug by his grandfather.  These experiences shaped his life.  He developed a lifelong, avid interest in science, mathematics, and electronics.

Mike entered the United States Navy in 1963 after graduating from a demanding Electrical Engineering program at Kansas State University through the Naval Reserve Electronics Division.  During his 22 years of enlisted and officer service, Mike served eight years of active duty on four different ships: the USS William R. Rush, USS Catskill, USS Norton Sound, and USS Waldron. Then he served in the Naval Reserves until his retirement in 1986.  Mike moved his family to Pascagoula to accept a two-year employment contract with Ingalls Shipbuilding.  He retired from the same job over 40 years later after building a successful legacy in helping design and implement the Aegis Combat System, the “Shield of the Fleet.”

Mike was a man of many interests.  Like many sailors, he was an amateur astronomer.  He was a sharp card player, whether the game was canasta or pinochle.  He loved jigsaw puzzles and board games.  He loved music and was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts.  He also was a great storyteller with a sharp wit. 

A resourceful man of many interests, “Mr. Mike” was deeply involved in his community.  He was a quick learner and a gifted teacher.  He served as a Cubmaster for Pack 521 at Arlington Elementary and Assistant District Commissioner for the Pine Burr Area Council.  His 14-year tenure on the Pascagoula District School Board included overseeing recovery from Hurricane Katrina and construction of the PHS Performing Arts Center.   He volunteered his time in many capacities: as a Pascagoula High School Band parent, treasurer, and president, a Red Cross board member, and mentor for the Trent Lott Middle School robotics activities.  In his retirement, he volunteered to assist the less fortunate with their tax preparation.  He never met a stranger and sought opportunities to help and guide others and improve their lives wherever he went.  Whether greeting staff or customers in a store or joking with neighbors in his yard, Mike had a gift for making people feel special.  He will be remembered not only for his warm guidance, but also for his abundant kindness.  He was a fierce advocate and gracious coach.  He was always there to lend a hand, repair something broken, or share an anecdotal insight, and he will be greatly missed. 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and dear brother, William Patrick (Pat) Concannon, his niece, Michelle C. Hedman, and his wife of 44 years, Janet H. Concannon.  Survivors include Bettie F. Concannon of Pascagoula, Mississippi, his cherished wife of almost 16 years; two sons, Douglas Concannon (Nancy) of Powdersville, South Carolina and Craig Concannon (Angela) of New Market, Alabama; and five grandchildren: Clay Concannon (McLellan) of Cary, North Carolina, Michael Concannon of Mebane, North Carolina, Ashley Concannon of Greenville, South Carolina, and Evelyn and Lillian Concannon of New Market, Alabama. 

The Concannon Family would like to offer their appreciation to the caregivers of Your Choice Senior Care and the healthcare professionals at the Pascagoula Singing River Hospital for their kindness shown to Mr. Concannon.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM, Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Arlington Baptist Church, Pascagoula, Mississippi.  Visitation with the family will begin two hours earlier, at 10:00 A.M.  Internment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, LaCygne, Kansas. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either the Thantus M. Concannon Engineering Scholarship at 104 Fairchild Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, or the Janet Concannon Memorial Art Scholarship at 1200 Highland, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS 66506.  Arrangements: O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pascagoula, Mississippi. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.obryantokeefe.com/obituary/Mike-Concannon

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