Fred James Bacon Jr.

Funeral Recording - https://audio.funeralrecording.com/embed/ef4ec57a-b7de-11ee-8747-0e93634d2851

Fred James Bacon Jr., 100, husband of the late Madeleine Belle (Charon) Bacon of Holiday, Utah, passed away Sunday,  January 7, 2024, at the William Christopherson Veterans Home, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Born July 9, 1923, in Jerome, Idaho, Mr. Bacon was the son of the late Fred James Sr. and Lenora Eden Bacon. 

Mr. Bacon graduated from Twin Falls High School in June 1941 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Air Force in support of the war efforts during WWII.  He became a certified air plane mechanic and later a reservist in the U.S. Army.  Fred received an honorable release from the military in 1949.   

In 1943, Fred married Barbara Pepin. However, an amiable divorce was finalized in 1950. Two children were born to this union – Gregory and Patricia. 

After starting anew in Salt Lake City, Mr. Bacon met and married twice-widowed Madeleine Belle Charron Day Rideout on August 16, 1952. Madge brought 3 young boys to the union – Bill, Bob, and Jeff.  The 3 boys were later adopted by Mr. Bacon.  A 4th was born to the union, Jamie (Fred J Bacon III).   The couple was subsequently sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, June 5, 1964.  They enjoyed mini vacations, dancing and bowling.  Fred enjoyed hunting with his sons. 

Mr. Bacon served for 30 years as a Little League Baseball coach in the Holiday community.  As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he influenced the lives of a host of members. Fred also served as a Bishop and member of the Valley View Stake high council.   

Mr. Bacon was a businessman and entrepreneur. He also earned his Private Pilot’s License.  Working with others, he started Pioneer Finance (later to become Interlake Thrift), Foresters Underwriters, Sylvan Life Insurance Company, which later merged with Bonneville Life. He was either the president or vice president in one or more of the above. His mechanical prowess developed during the war years led him to Lynrus Aluminum Products, where he was a member of the board of directors for thirty years. Fred also had an interest in the mining industry which resulted in the organization of Basic Metals Corporation. The mining and processing of clay minerals led to the founding of the Mineral Life Corporation and The Bacon Company.   

Surviving members of the family include:  William W.  Bacon (Sandra) of Springville, Utah; Robert S. Bacon Sr (Sheryl) of Gilbert, Arizona; Jeffrey D. Bacon (Marlene) of Saint George, Utah; Fred J. Bacon III (Jacci) of Bountiful, Utah; Patricia V. Padgett of Los Angeles, California; Mack Rideout (Susan) of Salt Lake City, Utah; with 16 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and multiple step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.   His wife, Madeleine, and his son, Gregory, preceded him in death.  

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the Valley View 3^rd Ward, 1925 East Gunderson Lane (4101 South), Holladay, Utah with a visitation the morning of the service from 9:30-10:45 a.m.  Interment Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Salt Lake City, Utah.