Dr. Ralph "Gordon" Bacon, 98, of Elkhart, Indiana passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Hubbard Hill Healthcare Center in Elkhart, Indiana.

Dr. Bacon was born August 11, 1923, in Colgate, North Dakota, the son of Ralph Paul and Violet Mae (Orser) Bacon. He graduated from Colgate High School and then moved to Chicago where he earned a Bachelor of Sacred Literature degree from Vennard College. Dr. Bacon received a B.A. from Bethel College and pursued additional academic studies at Goshen Biblical Seminary, Wheaton College Graduate School, and the Master Degree program at Bethel College. Dr. Bacon was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Bethel College in 1977.

Dr. Bacon served the former United Missionary Church having served as a pastor for 17 years, District Superintendent for 6 years, and Conference Secretary for 14 years. During his time with the Missionary Church, Dr. Bacon traveled to South America, Jamaica, and Haiti to survey future ministry for the church in those areas. In 1969, Dr. Bacon moved to Carol Stream, Illinois and worked for 20 years with the National Association of Evangelicals as Director of Field Services. While with NAE, Dr. Bacon traveled to South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippine Islands in relationship to the ministry of World Relief.

From 1989 until 2007, Dr. Bacon served as Vice President for College Relations for Bethel College increasing the awareness of the College within the Evangelical Community. Dr. Bacon moved to Goshen, Indiana in 1991 where he continued to preach and serve as pulpit supply in many Missionary Churches over the next years.

Gordon was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Phyllis Marie Reisenburg, on June 2, 1944, in Sharon, Wisconsin. They were married for 72 years. Phyllis passed away January 16, 2017. Gordon and Phyllis were a team in ministry. Together they would present the Gospel in song, teaching, and preaching. Gordon was known for his sense of humor, love for the Lord, a love of the Scriptures, and enjoyed mentoring young pastors.

Dr. Bacon is survived by 4 children: Ronald (Deborah) Bacon of The Villages, Florida, Dr. Joel (Carol Jean) Bacon of San Antonio, Texas, Robert (Carol Anne) Bacon of Slater, Iowa, Barbara (Dr. David) Kling of Miami, Florida; 13 Grandchildren; 18 Great Grandchildren; and 1 Great-Great Grandson.

Dr. Bacon was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis; and two brothers: Lowell and Ronald.

The Bacon Family expresses a heartfelt thank-you to the Staff at Hubbard Hill Health Care Center and Southern Care Hospice Services for the exceptional care provided to Dr. Bacon and his family.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM until Noon, Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen, Indiana. A private committal service will follow at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Dr. Bacon's honor may be made to Bethel University, 1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com

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