~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, DL Capt. Charles “Larry” Bacon
November
8, 1941 – January 1, 2026
From
friends and family comes news with the passing of retired Delta Air Lines pilot
Captain Larry Bacon, age 84. Larry
joined Delta Air Lines 06-02-1969 and was based Atlanta. He is survived by his wife Christine, and by his
children and their families.
PCN
memorial site
OBITUARY
Charles Larry Bacon, 84, died peacefully on Jan.
1, 2026. He grew up in Miami Springs, Florida, where the foundations of his
character— discipline, curiosity, quiet determination, and a quick wit—were
formed early. He graduated from Miami Senior High School, earning a NROTC
scholarship that took him north to the Illinois Institute of Technology in
Chicago. There, as a proud member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, Larry
distinguished himself both academically and personally. He graduated in 1963
and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Larry's military career was marked by courage,
skill, and an unwavering sense of duty. After completing Basic Infantry
Officer's School, he went on to graduate from Naval Aviator Training as a
Designated Naval Aviator. Additional training followed in Beaufort, South
Carolina, with VMFA-251, before he was deployed to Vietnam, with VMFA-542.
Larry flew 151 combat missions in F-4 aircraft. For his service, he was awarded
the Distinguished Flying Cross, nine Air Medals, the Meritorious Service
Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart - honors that reflected both his bravery
and sacrifice. Upon returning home, he served as a flight instructor with VT-7
at NAS Meridian in Mississippi.
In 1969, Larry began a second distinguished career
with Delta Air Lines, where he flew for 32 years. Over the course of his
career, he logged more than 25,000 flight hours, piloting aircraft including
the DC-8, DC-9, L-1011, B-727, B-757, and B-767. He retired as an international
captain, respected not only for his professionalism, skill and calm leadership,
but also for his ability to put others at ease with his sense of humor.
Larry continued his service to the country through
the Marine Corps Reserve, flying the F-8
Crusader with VMF-351 at NAS Atlanta and later
serving with VMO-4 from 1976 to 1982. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1988
with the rank of Colonel, a testament to a lifetime of commitment, excellence,
and leadership that never lost its human touch.
Beyond his professional achievements, Larry lived
fully and passionately. His humor endeared him to everyone he met. He loved
reading, art, and music, and found great joy on the golf course.
A devoted golfer, he traveled throughout Great
Britain and Ireland attending tournaments, achieved four holes-in-one, and
carried a lowest handicap of four. He was also an original sponsor of PGA
professional Larry Nelson, a Celebrity and World Golf Hall of Fame recipient.
Larry generously supported causes close to his
heart, including CADEF and the Magnolia Classic for Autism. Above all, he will
be remembered for his integrity, sharp mind, great sense of humor, and the
steady presence he brought to every role he held—as a Marine, a pilot, a
mentor, and a friend.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Christine,
whose steadfast support and companionship were central to his life. He is also
survived by his sister. Cheryl Domineau (Jim); his children, Ken, Elizabeth,
and Mike St. Amand (Karen); and his cherished grandchildren, each of whom
brought him immense pride and joy. He was further blessed with three
great-grandchildren, who added an extra measure of happiness to his later
years. Larry is also lovingly remembered by his niece, Nicole Welty (Chris) and
nephew, Larry Keith (Mary Louise), along with extended family and friends who
will miss him deeply.
IN
THE CARE OF H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sandy-springs-ga/charles-bacon-12689298
