Gordon Dale Bacon

Gordon Dale Bacon, age 86, of Killeen, Texas passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Born on June 4, 1938, in Butte, Montana, in a home that was once a chicken coop, Gordon grew to become a respected figure in both military and educational circles.

Gordon graduated from Butte High School in 1957 and pursued higher education at Montana State University, where he graduated in 1963. He furthered his education at the University of Montana, earning a master's degree in 1970. His academic pursuits were paralleled by a distinguished military career. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army in 1963, Gordon served two tours in Vietnam and one in Korea, retiring as a Major. His Military Honors include the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, and several others, reflecting his bravery and dedication.

Following his military service, Gordon dedicated 26 years to Central Texas College as a Professor and Department Chairman for Early Childhood Professions. He was also the President of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, influencing future generations of educators.

Gordon was a member of St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, Texas, where he had taught religious education to third and fourth grade children.

Known for his hard working and caring nature, Gordon was a family man who always had a joke ready to lighten the mood. He enjoyed gardening and spending quality time with his family.

Gordon is survived by his children, Barbara Bacon Kelly (Shawn), Brian Bacon (Marissa), Corina Kelly-Wambsgans (Michael), Danielle Bacon McDaniel (Jeff), and Marlena Kelly-Lopez (Oscar); grandchildren Dylan, Jonathan, Daniel, Alisabeth (Michael), Halliona, Anjeila, Alejandra, Emerson, Griffin, Zuleyca, Grayson, Eloisa, and Michael Jr.

He was preceded in death by his wife Karen Kinnan Bacon, his sister Donna Bacon, and his parents Frank Edward Bacon and Alta Leona Strike.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas, where the family will be wearing silly t-shirts in honor of Gordon’s sense of humor; please feel free to do the same. A Service is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the same location. A Committal Service with Full Military Honors will take place on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 9:00 AM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.