Charles Earl “Chuck” Bacon, 73, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026.
Chuck was born on December 8, 1952, in Redfield, South Dakota, to George and Mavis Bacon. He attended Redfield Public Schools and graduated with the Redfield High School Class of 1971.
Growing up in Redfield, Chuck quickly earned a reputation for being adventurous, independent, and full of energy. Family members fondly recalled that trouble often seemed to find him, whether he was testing boundaries, concocting a new scheme, or finding creative ways to tease his sisters. His childhood stories became legendary within the family and were retold for decades with equal parts laughter and disbelief.
His sisters remembered him as a relentless teaser who rarely missed an opportunity to give them a hard time. Yet beneath the playful torment was a brother who was fiercely loyal and protective. No matter how much he teased, his family knew they could count on him when it mattered most. His stubborn streak showed itself early in life, particularly when vegetables were involved, and his sense of humor never faded with age.
One of the greatest blessings of Chuck’s life was his lifelong friendship with Doug Schwab. Their friendship began long before kindergarten, when the two boys lived across the street from one another in Redfield. They
walked to kindergarten together and, for many years, walked, biked, and eventually drove to school side by side. Their friendship continued through college, where they were roommates, and into adulthood as hunting and fishing partners, double- daters, members of each other’s wedding parties, and trusted companions through life’s many adventures.
Doug served as Chuck’s best man when he married Connie, and through every season of life, theirs was a friendship marked by loyalty, laughter, and countless shared memories. Together they shared nearly seven decades of friendship, a bond that remained unbroken until Chuck’s passing.
Chuck enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard on December 2, 1971, with Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 147th Field Artillery, beginning a military career that would span more than three decades. Though military assignments took him from Redfield to Webster and later to Watertown, he remained a proud member of the 2nd Battalion, 147th Field Artillery throughout his entire career.
Following high school, he attended Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he roomed with Doug while pursuing his education. At the same time, he began working at the South Dakota Developmental Center in Redfield as a Case Manager.
While employed there, he was selected to participate in a degree program through Northern State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Severe and Profound Mental Retardation. Never one to stop learning, Chuck continued his education through the University of South Dakota, where he pursued a Master’s Degree in Special Education. He was just six credits shy of completing the program when he accepted a full-time Active Guard Reserve position with the South Dakota Army National Guard in 1985. Although his military career ultimately led him down a different path, his commitment to education, service, and helping others remained a defining part of his character throughout his life.
Through dedication, leadership, and professional development, Chuck advanced through the ranks while attending numerous military schools and training programs, ultimately earning appointment as a Warrant Officer 1.
When he chose to pursue a full-time Active Guard Reserve career, Chuck returned to the enlisted ranks as a Sergeant (E-5). He continued to distinguish himself through his commitment to service, leadership, and professionalism, steadily advancing once again and ultimately achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class before retiring on August 31, 2007.
His distinguished military career included deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom from December 2003 through February 2005. In recognition of his service, leadership, and dedication, he received numerous military awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal.
Throughout his military career, Chuck mentored countless soldiers and led by example. He embodied the values of duty, integrity, and selfless service, earning the respect of those who served alongside him. His influence extended far beyond his own accomplishments, leaving a lasting impact on generations of soldiers who benefited from his leadership and guidance.
Military service was among Chuck’s proudest accomplishments, and he remained a steadfast patriot throughout his life. He often spoke proudly of the combined military service of himself and his children, noting that together they accumulated more than 80 years of service to the United States.
It was in Redfield that Chuck met the love of his life, Connie Kay. The couple married on June 22, 1974, and together built a life centered on faith, family, and service. In 1989, they relocated to Webster, South Dakota, where they raised their family and established the home that would remain the center of countless family gatherings and cherished memories. They shared 44 years of marriage before Connie’s passing on November 23, 2018. Though separated by death, Chuck’s love and devotion to Connie never wavered. Fittingly, Chuck passed away on June 22, 2026, exactly 52 years after the day they were married.
Chuck was a lifelong member of VFW Post 4690, American Legion Post 40, and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster, South Dakota. His Lutheran faith provided a foundation throughout his life and guided his commitment to service, family, and community.
For many years, Chuck and Connie made their home on their ranch near Webster, South Dakota, where family gatherings, hard work, country living, and lifelong memories were woven into everyday life. In 2023, Chuck relocated to Lake Angostura, where he quickly grew to love the beauty of the Black Hills.
Outside of his military service and devotion to family, Chuck found joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing and appreciated the simple pleasures that came with rural life. Some of his favorite moments were spent on his deck overlooking Lake Angostura, camera in hand, capturing the stunning sunsets that painted the evening sky. He also enjoyed taking his faithful companion, Buddy, for walks and spending time outdoors.
Chuck was known for his collection of favorite jokes, which family and friends often heard more than once. Whether it was the first telling or the fifth, Chuck delivered each joke with the same enthusiasm and grin. Many of those jokes became family traditions and continue to bring smiles to those who loved him.
Above all else, Chuck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend. His greatest joy came from watching his family grow and succeed.
Becoming a grandfather and later a great-grandfather brought Chuck immense pride. He treasured time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments, sharing stories, offering guidance, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than seeing his family together.
Among his proudest moments were watching the tradition of military service continue through the generations. He was especially proud of his grandson, Bradan, for answering the call to serve by joining the United States Marine Corps, and he eagerly supported his granddaughter Madison as she prepared to follow in the family’s footsteps through her plans to join the South Dakota Army National Guard.
Chuck is survived by his children, Charles Bacon Jr. and spouse Sandy, William Bacon and partner Adrian, and Kaylee LaCroix and spouse Matt; his grandchildren, Briana, Karyssa, Bradan, Madison, Rylee, and Alexis; his great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Hazel; his sisters, Sandy Gaspar and Kathy (Paul) Breeding; his lifelong best friend, Doug Schwab; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, fellow veterans, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie Kay Bacon; his parents, George and Mavis Bacon; his brother-inlaw, Dennis Gaspar; and his in-laws, Francis and Virginia Grosch, Ernest and Lucille Bahr, Daniel Bahr, and James Bahr.
Chuck’s legacy is one of service, patriotism, faith, unwavering devotion to family, and a sense of humor that never left him. He leaves behind memories of ranch life in Webster, sunset photographs from Lake Angostura, walks with Buddy, stories shared around the table, and jokes repeated often enough to become family legends.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7 Interment with military honors will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota, where he will be laid to rest with the honor and dignity befitting a soldier who faithfully served his nation and a husband who faithfully loved his wife.
Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD, followed by funeral service at 10:00 a.m.
Committal service will be held 2:30 p.m., at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.
Celebration of life will be held 5:30 p.m., at American Legion in Hot Springs, SD.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.