Dean A. Bacon, Sr. "Butch"
With his best friend and part-time caregiver Jill by his side, a crossword puzzle book in his hands, and the sights and sounds of his favorite western TV shows in front of him, Dean passed away in his apartment, on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Dean was born in Redfield SD to Elbert Franklin Bacon and Lorraine Millie Stern Bacon.

At the age of 15, Dean was injured during an auto racing accident with his friend Richard Wernsman. While in high school, Dean enjoyed playing baseball and boxing. He graduated from Redfield High School in 1965. After high school, Dean decided to join the U.S. Navy. From 1965-1969, he endured the Vietnam Era Conflict, aboard the communication - spy ship, USS Arlington, AGMR-2.
It was during Dean's Nayy career, that he got to participate in a part of history. He was asked to volunteer for the Apollo 8, 10 and 11 rescue recovery operations. Without hesitation, or any kind of merit, he accepted the challenges, and it became Dean's most memorable moments serving in the Navy.
After proudly Serving in the Navy, Dean pursued careers in Law Enforcement. He was a patrolman in Hector, MN and Redfield, SD from 1969 to 1975. He then took on interest as an Accident Reconstruction Specialist from 1976 to 1981 for the Huron Police Department.
From 1981 to 2006, Dean sought interest in the Insurance Fraud Industry. He worked mostly for Westfield Insurance Companies, as a Sr. Claims Rep, serving Minnesota, South Dakota, and Ohio.
It was later in 2006 that Dean decided to rest and relax, focusing on the things he was most passionate about, camping, grilling, painting various artworks projects and dancing.
In 2008, Dean married his best friend Jill, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Although the marriage was not permanent, they remained friends and saw the good qualities in each other.
Over the years, Dean was slowly suffering from the effects of Agent Orange, from when he was in the Navy, Ranging from Congestive heart failure, to neurological issues, it all took a toll on his health, eventually leaving him disabled.
Dean spent his last couple years in long term care, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton, SD and was then discharged in July 2024, then transferred to Ponderosa Lodge in Sioux Falls.
Dean will always be remembered for being the “Life of the Party”, when it came to family gatherings or get togethers with friends. He had a way of making you laugh, no matter what kind of day you might have had. Gone from our sight, but never forgotten, Dean always had a generous and gentle heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held 10:30 AM, Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Heritage Funeral Home with a graveside at South Dakota State Veteran’s Cemetery.