Virgil Claude Canning was born Oct. 30, 1929, in Munden, Kansas, to Claude and Ardis (Canfield) Canning and passed away Nov. 13, 2024, in Seward, at the age of 95 years and 14 days.
Virgil was raised in Munden, where he attended school. He was united in marriage to Ruth Corbit on Dec. 28, 1950, and to this union, three children were born, Brenda, Larry and Greg. Virgil helped his dad farm for several years before deciding to go to school for air conditioning and refrigeration. He graduated from Southeast Community College and started his own business, Canning Refrigeration. Virgil operated his business for years before Southeast Community College in Milford reached out to him and offered him a job to teach air conditioning and refrigeration. He took the job and taught from 1961 to 1990. He also served as the department head for a number of years.
Virgil was quick witted and loved telling jokes. Virgil enjoyed growing and working in his garden as well as his workshop in his basement. He was a meticulous worker and loved making things for his family. He loved his family and loved the time that they all spent together. He was remarried on Oct. 27, 2019, to Sarah Shively.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Canning; daughter, Brenda Royer and his parents.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Sarah Canning of Seward; children and spouses, Larry and wife, Steph Canning of Seward, and Greg Canning of Lincoln; son-in-law, Don Royer of Omaha; grandchildren and spouses, Elizabeth Canning, Lincoln, Evan and wife, Christina Canning of Seward, and Nicole and husband, Alex Parkins of Kansas City, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Mason, Lillian and Charlotte; other survivors include Sarah’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 22, from 1 – 7 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 5– 7 p.m. The memorial service will be Saturday, Nov. 23, at 10:30 a.m. at the Seward United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Seward United Methodist Church Foundation. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
