Donald Edward Bacon

Donald Edward Bacon (81) of Elliston, MT died September 5, 2023, on the Elliston hill surrounded by family and friends. He fought a courageous two-year battle with esophageal cancer.

Don was born in Lewistown, MT on September 22, 1941, to Lynn and Ruth Bacon of Harlowton and was the oldest of 9 children. Spending his youth in the Deer Lodge area, he fostered a life-
long love for all things agricultural & livestock. While working on neighboring ranches, a strong work ethic was developed alongside the ‘Cowboy Way’. Additionally, he became very fond of
shepherding and was an active member of the Deer Lodge 4H/FFA programs. Don graduated from Powell County High School in 1960. In March of 1961 he married his pretty little gal from Elliston, Charla Ann Pierce who would be by his side for the next 62 years. They were blessed with three wonderful children Kevin, Kellie, and Kyle.

For the first few years, he worked in construction and as an over-the-road truck driver. The family moved several times within MT, SD, and WA. In the mid-sixties, a job with the Milwaukee Railroad brought the Bacon family to Wisconsin. As a purchasing and parts coordinator and subsequent promotion to material manager, Don perfected his meticulous organizational skills. Roots were established in Milton, WI for the next 20+ years; where his desire to be a farmer and shepherd never left him. In the mid 1970’s, he established “Big Sky Suffolks” which quickly became a family obsession and business. Through Don’s leadership, they became a premier flock across the state, as well as nationally. Don proudly served as the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Association President and Board Member for many years. A return to Big Sky country became a reality in 1989 as Don, Char, and Kyle moved to their little slice of Montana heaven, Elliston; where they permanently settled. Soon thereafter, Don started a 13-year career with the Helena Nabisco distribution center; many days were spent seeing glorious mountain views behind the windshield of his route truck. Retirement in 2003 did not slow Don down. He was either fixing, maintaining, organizing anything and everything around the home or working for Pierce and Associate Builders. One of Don’s greatest joys was making his weekly trip to the Koon cabin in Avon with his best friends. He loved nature and the outdoors, especially his annual sabbatical to the high country for hunting season. He also enjoyed many lengthy snowmobile and ATV rides, catching a rodeo any and every chance he could, playing a good game of cards, or berating his beloved Green Bay Packers, all while sharing a tasty Jim Beam to wash down the love, laughter, and memories. Don was also recently recognized as a 50 year “Master Mason” from the Ottawa #51 Masonic Lodge in Marysville.

Even as he endured his recent health fight, he never tried to bring attention to his plight. He frequently offered help to those around him and often brought comfort to others with that Don
Bacon smile and attitude. He was blessed with a rich life that had very little to do with money; there was a family that loved him, memories abound, and hundreds of good friends … he will
be missed by many. Don is survived by his wife Charla and three children: Kevin (Jackie) of Elliston, MT, Kellie (Paul) Langer of Helena, MT,  and Kyle (Jeanee) of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren,
Emily, Craig, Charlie, and Will, Josh, Jason, and Paul Jr, Lucy and Remy; great grandchildren, Jolee, Davis, Zoe, Eddie, Henry, Landen, Abigail, Samuel, and Miles. Also surviving siblings, Dennis, Karen, Dwight (Sandra), Kathy, Kim, Dean, David (Gail), and Kristie and Brother In-laws Fred (Carol) and Bill (Nancy) Pierce, Aunts (Marilyn Robinson and Amy Ballentine), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Don was a terrific friend, wonderful father, great husband, and a good shepherd of life. It’s now time for Don to be with his Mom and Dad and other friends and family who’ve passed before. 

A small mountain service will take place later this month and a broader service for family and friends will take place Memorial Day weekend (May 2024) at the Elliston Cemetery (details TBD). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to either St. Peters Health Hospice, Elliston Cemetery, or an organization of your choice. Condolences can be sent to PO Box 210 Elliston, MT 59728.  Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family. 

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