Isaac R. Bacon

Isaac R. “Ike” Bacon, 89, of Monticello, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026, in hospice at White Oak Health Campus, following a brief illness. He leaves behind a legacy defined by family, farming, and a deep, lifelong passion for bluegrass music.

Born on October 26, 1936, to Marvin and Nora (Taylor) Bacon, Ike grew up with a "front porch country" kind of charm that was entirely infectious. He graduated from Gilboa High School in 1956 and soon after married the love of his life, Carol Forry Bacon. Together, they built a beautiful life, farming for many years in Wolcott before retiring to Monticello, where they spent 16 wonderful years. Ike and Carol celebrated an incredible 67 years of marriage before her passing in 2024.

All who met Ike came away with a smile, a chuckle, or a story. He was a man who stayed completely true to his roots and was happiest when sharing his natural talents with others. Ike was a prominent fixture in the regional music community and a founding member of several beloved bands, including Bluegrass Connection, The Not Quite Ready for Nashville Pickers, and the Off-n-Runnin band. For years, he brought joy to crowds as both a performer and the emcee for the Earl Park Fall Festival Bluegrass stage. His voice was a familiar comfort on Sunday nights, hosting his own bluegrass show on WMRS radio in Monticello, where he loved debuting and lifting up new bands.

Beyond playing music, Ike was a master craftsman. He taught banjo lessons to countless aspiring musicians and meticulously hand-crafted banjo and more than 30 custom “Bacon” mandolins—treasures that will keep his melody alive for generations. He was also a second-generation member of the Remington Masonic Lodge #351, and loved spending his free time golfing, snowmobiling, taking fishing trips to Canada, being with family, and embracing all-around good, clean fun.

Ike is reunited in peace with his beloved wife, Carol; his son, Kirby Bacon; his parents; and his sister, Mary (Richard) Shonkwiler.

His warm spirit lives on through his daughters, Lynn (Curtis) Simonye of Fishers and Lea (Bacon) Idlewine of Wolcott; his daughter-in-law, Karen Bacon of Monticello; and his sister, Mildred (Bob) Nannenga of DeMotte. He was the incredibly proud grandfather of six grandchildren and great-grandfather to six great-grandchildren, and a beloved uncle and cousin to many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

True to his easygoing nature and unique perspective on the passage of time, one of Ike's favorite and often repeated phrases serves as comfort to all who grieve him now: “And the world just keeps right on turnin’.”

Private graveside services will be held for the family by Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home. A public celebration of life will be held at 201 N. Countrybrook Drive in Monticello, Indiana, on Saturday, Oct 3, from 1-4 p.m. to honor Ike's vibrant life, music, and friendships. Anyone with a story to share or one of Ike’s many handmade instruments would be welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made with Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home Foundation, Inc. or the American Diabetes Association.