John Charles Bacon

John Charles Bacon was born March 19, 1936 in Lubbock, Texas to Charles and Afton Gilkerson Bacon.  He studied anthropology at Texas Tech and University of Colorado at Denver.   As a young adult, John had many adventures, including hunting safaris in Kenya where some of his trophies made the Rowland Ward record book.

Throughout his life, he had a diverse career that included banking, oil, investments, and farming.  In 1971 he married Lillian Patricia Maldonado of Guatemala, and they made their home in Dallas where they raised two sons, John Charles Bacon, Jr. and John Franklin Bacon.  John and Patricia later moved to Lubbock where they have lived for more than two decades.

John had a passion for Latin culture and loved listening to Mariachi music, sipping fine tequila, and spending time with his wife, sons, and family in Guatemala, Mexico, and other Latin American countries.  John was very intelligent, and he was an avid learner and voracious reader.  He was one of those people who was knowledgeable about almost every subject.  He enjoyed conversations ranging from complex scientific theories, history, and politics to gardening, travel, and his favorite Mariachi band.

He was rarely seen without a pipe or cigar, and he spent much of his time in his garage office, affectionately known as the WHQ (World Headquarters).  Late at night you’d probably find him eating chocolate cake and watching “Dr. Who” or the movie “Zulu”.

John was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nancy Bacon Snow of Wichita Falls, Texas.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia, their sons John Charles (Heather) of Siem Reap, Cambodia, John Franklin (Leslie) of Lawrence, Kansas, grandson John Charles Bacon, III (Ellie) of College Station, Texas, and granddaughter Lily Kate Bacon of Ft. Worth, Texas.  He will be missed by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

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