DL Capt. Charles “Larry” Bacon

 

~ 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