Joe was an original founder, supporter, moderator and long time member of this forum. He posted under the handle of jbwhttail. The very sad news is that Joe passed away this week.
I am copying the obituary below, which covers everything very well.
I'll also post a link to a thread Joe posted here a few years back detailing a monster buck he'd taken in the archery season.
https://hoosierhunting.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=48248&page=1=========================================================
Joe Bacon, 73, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully Wednesday May 28, 2025. He was born April 1st, 1952 to the late William Bacon and Barbara Greenwell. He graduated in the class of 1970 from North Central High School. He worked 47 years in the printing plate industry for National Printing Plate until it sold and became PRP, retiring in 2017. Joe met his wife of 54 years, Nancy Drews at the annual Culligan picnic, he knew she was the one. Many would have said they were too young, just teenagers, but they beat the odds. They raised two children Jo Ann and Tony. Joe loved hunting, fishing and Studebakers.
Joe was Founder of the Indiana Deer Hunters Association in 1983, He was a scorer for the Hoosier Record Book program, a Hunter Safety Instructor for 41 years, certifying over 6000 students and teaching over 200 classes. Joe was instrumental in initiating the youth deer season in Indiana, state park deer reduction hunts, a deer hunt at Crane Naval Base for hunters with disabilities and the Annual Wild Game Cookout at the Indiana State Fair.
Joe loved hunting big deer and turkey with family and friends.
Joe was a member of the Studebaker Drivers Club for over 54 years, owning over 100 Studebakers throughout his lifetime. In 2021 the Studebaker International Meet was held in Indianapolis, Joe was the Chairman of this event. Joe was also the head judge for the last three Studebaker International Meets.
Joe leaves behind to treasure his memory, his wife Nancy J (Drews) Bacon; children Jo Ann Toney (Dustin) and Tony Bacon ( Haley); Grandchildren Stephany Beil and AJ Beil; siblings Bill Bacon, Rhonda Boffo and Norma Fraizer.
A celebration of Joe's life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor his memory, share stories, and celebrate a life well lived from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe's memory may be made to:
TIP
Turn In a Poacher
402 W. Washington
Room W255D
Indianapolis In. 46204
Studebaker National Museum
201 South Chapin Street
South Bend, Indiana 46601
Joe will be remembered as a man who lived with love, purpose, and compassion. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and devotion to family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
The family invites those who knew Joe to share their memories, photographs, and condolences online, helping to honor his legacy and keep his memory alive.
