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Darrell Bacon Obituary

Darrell Bacon

February 1, 1956 - November 2, 2023

Del Rey, California - "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." Darrell Ray Bacon shared this lesson with his family and friends to remind them of their potential for greatness. He saw the best in everyone and made everyone he came into contact with a better person.

Darrell, 67, was born February 1, 1956 in Porterville, CA, and died November 2, 2023. He passed away in peace after a year-long battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 45 years Lillie Bacon from Del Rey. Son, Joshua Bacon, wife Fallon Bacon and their two sons, Nolan and Brock Bacon of Sanger. His parents Cecil and Alice Bacon of Reedley, sister Alicia and David Cowan of Fresno, and sister Barbara and Don Carter of Merced, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother Michael Bacon.

Darrell was an amazing athlete. He loved sports and excelled in football and baseball. He was part of the Jim Sweeney "Stadium Builders" Fresno State Bulldogs football team that won a League Championship in 1977, and he was named team MVP in his 1978 senior season. He was inducted into the Reedley College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

Darrell was a man who lived to work and play. He was a beekeeper for more than 45 years; one of his great loves was watching God's glory through his bees. He inspected fruit for the USDA for 20 years, and he also taught high school mathematics and shop classes.

Nothing was more important to Darrell than his two grandsons. He was there with them the first time they picked up a bat or dribbled a ball. He added one final job to his resume when he began recording their games and keeping their individual statistics. He thrived with his two boys.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Nov. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Darrell Bacon

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Charlie Lack

April 16, 2025

I'm proud to have known Darrell. He was a stand up guy and I had nothing but respect for him. While working for USDA years ago, he would sell me honey. My wife and I were talking about his honey just today, telling our son that his was the best. Praise Jesus that I'll see you again Darrell.

Alicia

January 1, 2024

Alicia Bacon Cowan

January 1, 2024

There will be a Celebration of Life for Darrell Bacon on Jan 20, 2024 at 10:30 am located in Reedley at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Fellowship Hall. Please join as we celebrate Darrells life.

Connie and Kelly Brooks

November 30, 2023

What an amazing life he lived. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers today.

Armida Lascano

November 25, 2023

So sorry for your loss Lillie, may he Rest in Peace with the Lord.

Tom Agnew

November 19, 2023

"He saw the best in everyone and made everyone he came into contact with a better person." That line resonates and summed up Darrell from when I had the pleasure of knowing him well over 30 years ago. In our line of work where we dealt with a lot of unpleasant, unscrupulous people, Darrell stood out as keeping your head above water and looking for the good. Just an overall kind, decent man.

Renee Clark

November 18, 2023

So sorry for the loss of your loved one. I didn´t know him personally but feel a bit as if I did through my friend Tanya. Always words of kindness for Joshua´s whole family.

Renee Clark

Linda Marie Condry

November 18, 2023

I was heartbroken when I read that Darrell had died. We were born in the same year. My time spent with the 3 of you was very important to me. I still have the "Potato Cookbook" that you, Lillie, gave me. Darrell was a wonder. His bees, I leanrened so much, his jobs, everything about him holds very fond memories. And, you, Lillie. So down to earth, so real, so accomplished in so many ways. Years ago, I heard that Josh had not only graduated from college, but then went back to his high school to teach. How proud you must be. Son, and then 2 more sons. Josh is as you raised him, sensible, responsible and a shing example of a human being. Fallon, love the name, must be a remarkable mother to 2 more boys. The Bacons have boys. I cannot fathom, being the same age, that he is gone. A true loss, on so many fronts. I am so sorry he died, at such an age. I am 67, and everything is fine. I always loved you, Lillie, and I always loved Josh. He was and is like a son I never had. From the beginning. Please take care. You are stoic, as am I. However, I am very, very sad at his death. So unfair. I don't know if you will get this message because I don't have facebook or a cell phone but I hope you do. Most fondly, Linda Condry.

David

November 17, 2023

So sorry for your loss, Josh! I quickly grew to love and appreciate your Dad when we were all out playing softball for Trinity. Your Dad would always make a special effort to talk to me, encourage me and give me pointers on improving my play. He always seemed genuinely interested in making people better, enjoying the game, and just appreciating life. He was one of my favorite people out on the softball field. I kind of looked at him as a coach that cared. Again, sorry for your loss, but you´ll see him again one day and there´s parts of him that live on through you and your family.

Bebe Salazar

November 16, 2023

I always looked up to you, Darrell. Playing Softball with were some of the best times of life. The after games times at the "Club House", Rest in peace old friend.

Diane E Martin

November 16, 2023

We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Darrell. Such a nice man, husband, father and grandfather. Sending love to each of you all.
Shannon and Diane Martin

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Funeral services provided by:

Dopkins Reedley Funeral Chapel

2200 S. Reed Ave., Reedley, CA 93654

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