Robert Lee Bacon

Obit Robert Lee Bacon-92 of Hebron, NE

Kroll Funeral Home Hebron, NE 402-768-6165

Robert Lee Bacon of Hebron, NE the son of Leander and Ruth (Eliott) Bacon was born April 1, 1931 in Pawnee City, NE. He departed this life Friday, April 14, 2023 at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln, NE at the age of 92 years.

Bob grew up in Pawnee City, NE attending school and graduating from Pawnee City High School with the class of 1949. He continued his education at Peru State College. After attending college for two years, he took a break from school. He always said the money pot ran a little low, so he and his buddy enlisted in the Marines. He served his country from 1952 to 1954, stationed at Barstow, California. Upon discharge, he returned to Peru and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. His first teaching position was at Ravenna High School as a Social Studies and Industrial Arts teacher, coaching football, basketball, track and golf on the side. During his teaching stint in Ravenna, a certain other first-time teacher caught his eye. Bob married Jacquelyn Calvin, a hometown girl, on February 1, 1958, in a small church in Ravenna, Nebraska. They were life-long friends and companions and were happily married for 65 years. This union was blessed with three children, David, Kim and Richard. David was born in Grand Island while Bob and Jackie were teaching in Ravenna. Bob then continued his teaching career in Oakland, Nebraska where he got hired to coach basketball and teach social studies. He was responsible for starting the first golf program in Oakland. Kim and Richard were added to the family during their time in Oakland. To help support his family, he returned to school and received his master’s degree in administration and in 1968, after being recruited by Ramon Mieth, the couple moved for the final time to Hebron. Bob served as the High School Principal and the Athletic Director during his time with the school. He was also the County Superintendent for many years. He continued working for Hebron Public Schools until his retirement in 1992. “Mr. Bacon” touched the lives of many students that attended Hebron Public Schools with a select few spending more time than others in his office.

Bob was a very independent man with a quiet, stoic demeanor. He led by example and always said that if something was worth doing it was worth doing right. He even took that one step further and felt like you shouldn’t do anything unless you do it right! It was one of his life lessons that he passed on to all his kids and grandchildren. Bob was also a passionate sports fan. He loved watching Nebraska football and attending sporting events at Hebron High School and Thayer Central High School. The family is pretty sure that he has seen more local sporting events than anyone in Hebron! He was an avid golfer and served many years on the board of directors at Hebron Country Club. He was a member of the Hebron Country Club for 55 years and passed on his passion for golf to many of his family members. Bob was also a huge dog lover. He had multiple hunting dogs that would join him in his hunting excursions and a few “grand-dogs” that he loved to spoil.

When he retired from education, he spent time traveling with wife Jackie and her sister Nadine and husband Larry Cook. He enjoyed going out for coffee and playing golf with his friends. He always enjoyed attending horse races and placing a wager or two, many times just “Buying Oats”, but he always enjoyed the day at the races. Bob loved watching TV, whether it be any sporting event or an old classic movie. He often said it was his only hobby and he didn’t really need any others. He spent countless hours at his kid’s activities, sometimes he was grumbling in the stands when they missed a shot or made a bad pass but he was their biggest fan and always wanted to be there to cheer them on. He carried this tradition on with his grandchildren by sitting through many games, concerts, dance recitals and awards ceremonies. Bob valued spending time with his family. Whether it was listening to silly stories in the basement over roasted peanuts or waiting for everyone to sit down to eat at holiday meals, he enjoyed the company of those he loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, wife Jackie, and brother Billie Bacon.

He is survived by sons; David Bacon and wife Kara of LaVista, NE, and Richard Bacon and wife Marsha of Cook, NE, one daughter Kim Cottam and husband Kent of Hebron, one brother Mike Bacon of New Jersey, grandchildren; Matthew Bacon of Omaha, NE, Mark and wife Ellie Bacon of Omaha, Samuel Bacon of Omaha, Jordan Cottam of Hebron, Jay Cottam and wife Bailey of Kearney, NE, Jena Cottam of Hebron, Harrison Bacon of Cook, NE and Jamison Bacon of Cook, NE, one great-grandson Brooks Cottam, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Hebron, NE at 10:30. Officiant will be Pastor Brian Faust, recorded music “Amazing Grace”, “Ballad of Cat Ballou”, “My Way”, “Heaven Was Needing A Hero”, visitation will be Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Kroll Funeral Home Hebron, NE from 2-6 PM with family greeting friends 4-6 PM. Memorials in care of the family. Condolences may be left at www.krollfh.com. Burial will be in the Hebron City Cemetery with military honors by Thayer County American Legion Posts. Kroll Funeral Home of Hebron, NE is in charge of arrangements.

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