Edward P. Canny

October 17, 1939 - February 28, 2017

Edward Patrick Canny Jr., the son of Edward Patrick Canny Sr. and Lucille Canny (Long), was born Tuesday, October 17, 1939 in Ottumwa, IA. He graduated from Ottumwa High School with the class of 1958 and enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after. After a couple years of military service Ed returned to civilian life and worked many different jobs over the following years including manager of Hotel Ottumwa, photo developer for the Wapello County surveyor’s office, and truck trailer assembly worker at Superior Ideal in Oskaloosa. On May 1, 1981, Ed was united in marriage to the love of his life Brenda (Snyder). They moved to Oskaloosa, IA and started their family together. Proving that he was always ready to learn new things, at age 50 Ed started nursing classes, received his license as a Certified Nursing Assistant, started working at Pleasant Park nursing home and later at Pella Regional Hospital. It became clear that he truly had found his calling and purpose in life. Ed’s servant heart was on display not only in the workplace, but also as a loving husband, father, Sunday school teacher, and in recent years… extremely proud grandfather. Ed loved fishing, reading, watching his favorite St. Louis Cardinals, and after retirement he very much enjoyed his time volunteering at Mahaska Health Partnership doing whatever job they had for him on any given day. On Tuesday February 28, 2017, Ed died at his home in Oskaloosa at the age of 77 years, 4 months, and 11 days. He was found sitting in his “prayer chair” with his Bible open on his lap. Beyond all the other titles he may have had in his life the one constant was that of “prayer warrior”. He is survived by his daughter: Becky Canny of Eagan, Minnesota; his son Bryan (&Molly) Canny and their daughters Cecilia & Lily of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, South America; three sisters: Margaret (& Carl) Boyd, Cathy (& Raymond) Rose, and Mary Thompson; three brothers: Tony (& Pat) Canny, Joe Canny, and James Canny all of Ottumwa; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Brenda. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 9, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. in the Gateway Church of the Nazarene in Oskaloosa with Reverend Dylan Does officiating. Burial will be in the University Park Cemetery in University Park. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Wednesday after 3 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Wednesday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Evangelical Church Missions.