Richard L. Bacon was born on July 27, 1964 in Oakland, NE to Robert and Jacquelyn (Calvin) Bacon, both lifelong educators who inspired his career in education, coaching, and as an activities director. He was baptized on June 4, 1967 at First United Methodist Church in Oakland, NE and confirmed on April 30, 1978 at Hebron United Methodist Church. Rich often spoke fondly of his childhood, his friends, and his hometown of Hebron. He enjoyed telling his family stories about weekends at the gym with his dad and driveway basketball games with his friends and relatives. Rich, aka ‘BAC”’  graduated from Hebron High School in 1983 as a proud Hebron Bear. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a bachelor’s degree in education, and later obtained an administrative degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Rich was united in marriage to Marsha Reimers at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in West Point, NE, on July 15, 2006. They were happily married for 18 wonderful years. Rich and Marsha were blessed with two amazing children, Harrison James Robert and Jamison Richard, who are the joys of their lives. Both boys embody the best qualities of their dad—his kindness and compassion for others.

Rich and Marsha were partners in love and life. They moved to rural Cook with the boys and built their family sanctuary—a true slice of paradise where they created cherished memories. Their acreage affectionately known to family and friends as "Bacon Acres" is where they raised chickens, grew pumpkins, planted an orchard, built a pool, and enjoyed life. Rich loved his life in the country, ending each evening playing outside with his family or simply enjoying the peaceful serenity of the countryside.

Rich was a knowledgeable and thoughtful person who dedicated himself to his work and family. He was a lifelong learner and avid reader who enjoyed learning about history, completing crossword puzzles, and beating everyone at trivia. One of Rich’s favorite daily rituals was spending time with his boys in the morning. It was a precious time because of their busy schedules, so he made sure to start each day with them. They enjoyed watching Wild Kratts and Sports Center together while eating breakfast. He also had an unrivaled wealth of sports knowledge—a passion he passed on to Harrison. Rich loved animals and visiting the zoo with his family—a joy he passed on to Jamison. 

Rich was incredibly proud of his sons. He often spoke about them with great admiration, sharing how deeply he loved watching them grow into young men. He took immense pride in their achievements, both big and small, and cherished every moment of their lives. Whether it was their athletic accomplishments, their kind hearts, or the way they carried themselves with integrity, Rich felt blessed to be their father. His pride in Harrison and Jamison was evident in every conversation, and he always encouraged them to pursue their passions with the same dedication and kindness he lived by every day of his life. He knew that the future held great things for them and was eager to continue guiding them with the same love and wisdom that had shaped his own life.

Mr. Bacon dedicated 36 years of his life to educating, coaching and leading at Nemaha Valley and later Johnson County Central Schools. He began his career as a Social Sciences teacher who coached varsity football, basketball, and track. Over the years, he served as a head varsity basketball coach for 19 years, an Activities Director for 19 years, and the Cook site Principal for 17 years. He thoroughly enjoyed being a Cardinal and a Thunderbird. 

After his sons reached middle school, Rich stepped down as Activities Director so he could attend their events and cheer them on from the sideline. This change also gave him the opportunity to coach Harrison’s post-season basketball team in 8th grade and Jamison’s middle school basketball team this year. He was an incredible coach who enjoyed and cherished the time spent with them and their teammates.

Rich was a very modest person who never spoke about himself or his accomplishments. However, those around him recognized his strong leadership skills, vast knowledge, and thoughtfulness. He made others around him better. Often a sounding board for advice, he would help anyone without being asked—a man always willing to give his time and complete whatever task needed to be done.

Rich served on the Middle School NSAA board, was selected as a coach for the Runza Bison Select basketball team, and worked annually at the Nebraska State Track Meet at Burke. He was also serving as the East Central Nebraska Conference (ECNC) Activities Director. Rich had a deep love for sports, with a particular passion for basketball, golf, and track.

Rich and Marsha coached track together at Nemaha Valley Schools, a time that transformed their relationship from coworkers to best friends and eventually lifetime partners. He meticulously kept every practice plan he ever created, neatly filed at school. Rich mastered the art of running a track meet and mentoring a team he proudly referred to as a “well-oiled machine.” Under his leadership, JCC became one of the first schools to have its own automatic timing system and was frequently selected to host district track meets.

Many described Rich as a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened—his words always carried great meaning. Those who knew him well enjoyed his great sense of humor. His happiness was contagious, and his amazing laugh brought joy to everyone around him.

Of all the many positions Rich held, his favorite was that of husband and father. He loved his family and the life he built with them. Rich was a teacher in every sense—he taught his wife true love, patience, and understanding. He taught his sons how to build a fire and play sports like golf and basketball. Most importantly, he taught them to enjoy life by being good people.

Rich leaves behind his amazing family: Marsha, his loving wife of 18 years, and his incredible sons, Harrison and Jamison; brother David Bacon (Kara) of Omaha, sister Kim Cottam (Kent) of Hebron, aunt Nadine and uncle Larry Cook of Peoria, AZ, uncle Michael Bacon of Jersey City, NJ; father-in-law James Reimers of West Point, sister-in-law Dr. Connie Reimers-Hild (Jim Hild) of Beaver Lake, brothers-in-law Craig Reimers (Cary) of Omaha, Jade Reimers (Jennifer) of Torrington WY, Josh Reimers (Antonia) of West Point and sister-in-law Michelle Reimers of Omaha as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rich is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jacquelyn Bacon of Hebron, uncle Billy Bacon of Philadelphia, mother-in-law Carol Reimers of West Point, and brother-in-law Michael Reimers of Omaha. 

Rich will be deeply missed by many. His untimely passing at the age of 60 years on February 10, 2025, has left sorrow in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2025 at the St. Paul's United Church of Christ (Osage) rural Cook, Nebraska with Pastor Ken West officiating.  The service will also be livestreamed on the Wherry Mortuary Facebook page for those unable to attend.  A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at the JCC Middle School in Cook.  The middle school will also be an overflow location from the church with livestream capabilities.  

Visitation will be held from 1-7 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the St. Paul's U.CC. (Osage) rural Cook, Nebraska.  The family will greet friends from 3-5 p.m.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may go to a college fund to be set up for his sons college educations.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.