Donald Ray Bacon

Donald Ray Bacon, surrounded by his loving family passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 82. His passing was preceded by a life filled with faith and unconditional love. Born on April 7, 1943, in Crockett, Texas. Don was the sixth of fifteen children raised by his parents, the late Elder Joy Bacon Sr and the late First Lady Lillie Bacon. The family relocated to Tucson, Arizona, in 1951 in pursuit of a better life. Raised in a family that emphasized the values of faith, family, discipline and hard work, Don developed a strong sense of principles that guided his life. He played a pivotal role in the early 1960s, representing Tucson High School’s state championship baseball and basketball teams. As a catcher and outfielder, Don continued his athletic pursuits at Phoenix College after graduating a Badger in 1962. His contributions were instrumental in the team’s national championship victory in 1965, a momentous occasion that left a lasting impact on his life as well as others. Don played baseball along side of Gary Gentry who played for the Mets. That’s just how good he was. Regrettably, Dons baseball career was curtailed due to his father’s illness, necessitating his responsibilities as a caregiver for his siblings. Consequently, he secured employment at Sears Robuck, where he excelled in his role as an appliance salesman. His dedication and achievements earned him numerous accolades, including being recognized as the top salesman on multiple occasions. On Oct 29, 1966 Don married his beloved wife, Quillis Cannon. Don and Quillis built a life together raising three children; Shawn, Barry, and Omar, who brought joy and love into their lives, along with their spouses, Charles, Tonishe, and Tiffany, and their ten grandchildren. Don’s family was his pride and joy, and he instilled in them the same values that had guided him. His children’s accomplishments were a testament to his dedication, from Shawn’s academic achievements at Alabama State University to Barry and Omar’s athletic prowess, which earned them scholarships to ASU and The University of Utah. Notably, all three of them are Sahuaro Alumni graduates. After retiring from Sears after 35 years, Don became the assistant football coach to Coach Breining at Sahuaro High. Simultaneously, he held a position as the Dropout Prevention Specialist for 15 years. Don possessed a natural talent for working with children and was able to turn many of them around, helping them graduate and lead productive lives as adults. Don also coached the Sahuaro girls softball team for several years, where many of them received scholarships to colleges across the country. With all the softball state championships that were won during his time coaching (1992, 1993, 2000, 2001) Don bled Sahuaro High School. He took pride in maintaining and caring for the best softball field in Tucson! That was his field! Sahuaro High School’s recent tribute, renaming the batting cages in his honor, is a testament to the enduring impact of his love not only for the sport but the teams he coached. Don’s love for life, family, friends, and community flourished. He dedicated his days to cultivating his own back yard grass as well as his children’s lawns. He traveled between Colorado and Arizona many a times to spoil his grandkids. He made sure they didn’t need for anything and he supported all of there extra curricular activities by showing up. His heart was filled with an abundance of love, but Don could be tough too. He was a true disciplinarian and he stood firm on what he believed to be right. He wasn’t easily swayed. Don’s kindness, generosity and compassion to others had a profound impact on countless lives and if he REALLY loved you, he’d give you a nickname. You all know who you are... Right? He will be remembered for generations to come as a testament to the power of love.

A visitation for Donald will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A visitation will occur Friday, June 13, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Rising Star Baptist Church, 2800 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. A committal service will occur Friday, June 13, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.