Charles Raymond Vun Kannon's Obituary
Charles Raymond Vun Kannon, 92 year old son of Charles Frank and Marjorie Carr Vun Kannon, was born into a musical family in Memphis on July 26, 1931 and died May 29, 2023. His grandfather, his father, and his uncle preceded Raymond as well-known and highly respected members of the Memphis community of musicians and the Memphis Symphony. Raymond played clarinet and saxophone in the Humes High School band and graduated from Humes in 1949. He accepted a music scholarship from Yale University, where he received three degrees by 1955 and became Assistant Band Director at Yale. Joining the faculty at Hofstra University, he served as Professor of Music and Band Director while arranging and composing music for band, orchestra, chorus, and chamber music performances. He retired from Hofstra as Emeritus Professor in 1965.
Raymond married Caroline Browne and was the father of their four children--Dorothy Anne McComb, David Keith Vun Kannon, Robert Eric Vun Kannon, and Marc Laurence Vun Kannon. He also has eight grandchildren--Nancy Milam, Nathan Vun Kannon, Daniel Vun Kannon, James Vun Kannon, Julia Morgan, Sarah Vun Kannon, Alexander Vun Kannon, Erika Ruppert, and five great grandchildren.
After his wife Caroline’s death, Raymond returned to Memphis and married his high school sweetheart, Doris Howell Thompson. Doris, recently deceased, was Memphis office manager of the United States Secret Service for five U. S. Presidents.
Charles Raymond Vun Kannon will be remembered not only for his music which continues to delight listeners and performers all over the country but also for his generous support of numerous charities that brighten the lives of those needing help.
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