MT. VERNON - Mike McGannon, 71, of Mexico, Mo., died at 8:50 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at Missouri Veterans Home. Private family services will be held at a later date. Mike was born on May 13, 1939, in Flora, a son of John Joseph and Ruby Evelyn (Powless) McGannon. He graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School and went on to receive his bachelor of science degree in business from St. Louis University. In 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1962. On Aug. 17, 1963, in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Carbondale, he married Susan Kaye Odum, who survives at the home. Mr. McGannon was a businessman and civic leader. During his career he served as president of Optec D.D. U.S.A. Inc. for North American operations. He was the senior vice president and general manager of Optec. D.D. U.S.A. Inc. from 1989 - 1992. He was appointed as the president and COO of Optec in 1992; and as chairman of Optec D.D. U.S.A. Inc. for North American Operations in 1995. He had previously served as vice president of Illini Federal Savings and Loan, Alton, and president of First Federal Savings and Loan, Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mike had served as the president of the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce and he was the recipient of the Chamber's Col. C.R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Award. He served on the Mexico City Council, having served as mayor, was a director of the First National Bank of Mexico, served on the Mexico School Board, was a member of Progress Mexico, the Mexico Rotary Club, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, the Associated Industries of Missouri, the Japan America Society, the Audrain Medical Center Foundation, Missouri Military Board of Visitors, was active in St. Brendan Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and served on the committee that established the Advanced Technology Center in Mexico. In addition to his wife, Susan, he is survived by one son, Michael C. McGannon and Rhonda, Columbia; one daughter, Michelle Lynch and Jason R., Glasgow, Ky.; one brother, Tom McGannon and Michelle, Oklahoma City; and three grandchildren, Kelly Lynch, Ryan Lynch, and Charlie McGannon. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby McGannon; and a brother, James Durland McGannon. Memorials may be made to the Mexico Animal Shelter and sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.pickeringfh.com.