George Franklin Canady, M.D., 82, passed away March 16, 2008 at the Greene County Medical Center after a long illness. Funeral services will be 11:00am Wednesday March 19, 2008 at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, with interment in the Jefferson Cemetery. 

Friends may call at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson after 3:00pm Tuesday, where the family will be present to greet friends from 7:00 – 8:00pm Tuesday.   

Dr. Canady was born on July 29, 1925 in Carroll, IA to Ray and Mabel (Post) Canady. He grew up in Adaza, IA and graduated from high school in Churdan, IA. His undergraduate education was part of a military program for medical training and included attendance at Buena Vista University, Washington and Lee University, and the University of Chicago.

After final selection for medical training he obtained his M.D. degree from the University of Nebraska. During this training, Dr. Canady variously had active duty in the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. He provided battlefield medical care for U.S. forces in the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Star for his service in that conflict.

On July 1, 1949 he married Joan Boan in Hiawatha, Kansas and later, in November of 1951, he began his medical practice in Jefferson. In November of 1957 they had a son, John. A compassionate physician who made house calls throughout his career, he had office hours when patients needed to see him, anonymously donated eyeglasses to dozens of Jefferson youth and provided free sports physicals to students who needed them so that they could participate. He was also known to anonymously provide free sports equipment to young participants who could not otherwise afford it.

Dr. Canady was involved with the Hospital Foundation Board, Library Board, advisory committee to the Greene County Public Health Department, local Boy Scout Troop 34, American Legion (oldest current member at the time of his death), and various committees of the United Methodist Church. He was a long time non-salaried City Health Officer and American Cancer Society physician for Greene County. He was a member of the Greene County, Iowa and American Medical Societies.

Known as Frank to those he grew up with in Adaza, he loved the outdoors and had many happy times playing golf and doing other sporting and outdoor activities with his family. In his later years, he particularly enjoyed visiting Iowa City to spend time with his grandsons.

Dr. George Canady was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Joan of Jefferson, IA; son Dr. John Canady and daughter-in-law Laurie of Iowa City, IA; and sister Judy Johnson of Indianapolis. He also leaves behind two grandsons Frank and Adam of Iowa City, IA. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews and their children.