Richard “Dick” Hudson Bacon
Richard “Dick” Hudson Bacon was called home on March 21, 2024, at the age of 96. Born in 1927 in Grand Rapids to parents George Bacon and Florence Harrison, he was the oldest of 4 siblings, Judy Taylor, Dwight Bacon, and Louis Bacon, who all predeceased him. Dick was raised in Lansing and loved aviation. He took flying lessons at 15, soloed at 16 and received his pilot’s license. Dick graduated from Sexton High School in January 1945 and enlisted in the Army. He completed training and was about to be shipped to the Pacific theater when WWII ended. He completed his Army tour and a tour in the National Guard. He went to Michigan State where he met the love of his life, Barbara Bradford. They were married in 1948 and celebrated 70 years of marriage before Barbara passed in August 2018. Richard and Barbara raised 3 daughters: Janeth, Lois (died 1996) and Jean. Dick initially worked in aviation, then pivoted to the insurance industry while maintaining his FAA inspector license. He was in the insurance business for about 20 years before successfully running for 2 terms as town supervisor of Delhi Township. Dick was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Holt where he and Barbara sang in the choir for 65 years. He was also an active member of the Holt Kiwanis club and the Experimental Aircraft Association, and served as a volunteer fireman and EMT in Holt for 12 1/2 years.
He is survived by his daughters Janeth Campion and Jean Preston (John Bukoski), grandchildren: Robert Preston (Jennifer), children Jasper, Esther and Luke; Jessica Gupta (Vikram), children Evyn and Caleb; and Sarah Thompson (Jason), daughters Noelle and Zoe; sisters-in law, Cathy Bacon, Kate Bacon, Emily Cooper, Chloe McGeehee; brother-in-law, Stuart (Harda) Bradford; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Donations can be made in Richard and Barbara’s name to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
3 Messages to “Richard “Dick” Hudson Bacon”
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Mona Darling
April 15, 2024 at 3:55 amI lived across the street from Mr. Bacon all through school and then moved back after my 2 kids graduated I knew him and Barbara well. I can’t tell you how many times he and his wife SAVED me during my school years. They took very good care of my brother and I.
Chaplain Dan Johnson
April 17, 2024 at 8:27 amDick was a valued member of our retirement community at Great Lakes Christian Homes while he lived here. We missed him greatly when he moved away. Our condolences to the family.
Kathy Allen Ball
April 17, 2024 at 1:42 pmGrowing up in the First Presbyterian Church of Holt, I spent many years singing in the choir with the Bacons. With my dad at the piano and organ and Dick and Barb in their blue choir robes, my memories of church always contain them….. my condolences to Jean and the entire family.