Gardner Melvin "Mel" Bacon

Gardner Melvin "Mel" Bacon, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away May 8, 2019, at his home.

Gardner was born October 12, 1939, in Tooele, Utah, to Gardner J Bacon and Susan Marler Bacon. He grew up in Sugar City, Idaho, and graduated from high school from Sugar-Salem High School where he lettered in every sport he participated in. Mel later attended Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. He served his country in the US Army.

On August 17, 1974, he married Florence Ilene Hutchison in Idaho Falls. Together they raised five children, Melissa, Tushar, Ragini, Kortinee and Tommy. He worked as a Accountant for The United States Forest Service in Challis, Boise, Jackson, Wyoming and Salt Lake City, Utah. After retirement they lived in Utah and Idaho.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various capacities. Mel also served in The Boy Scouts of America.

Mel loved his family. He enjoyed fishing, the high mountain lakes, classical music, camping, hiking, sports, woodworking and camp-cooked meals. He had a great sense of humor.

Mel is survived by his loving wife, Ilene Bacon of Idaho Falls, ID, daughter, Melissa L. Banks of Sandy, UT, son, Tushar C. Bacon of Idaho Falls, ID, daughter, Ragini I. (Kelly) Cronin of Salt Lake City, UT, daughter, Kortinee M Bacon of Salt Lake City, UT, sister, Carolyn (Bud) Miller of Syracuse, UT, sister, Mary (Grant (deceased)) Peterson of Shelley, ID; 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Tommy Banks; grandson, T.J. Banks. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, May 16, 2019, at Challis Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road.