Obituaries
William Francis Bacon
April 28, 1956 — March 26, 2026
POCATELLO — The Bacon family is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather, William “Bill” Francis Bacon, on March 26, 2026.
He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on April 28, 1956, to his parents, Gilbert and Arlene Bacon, he was the second of four children.
He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1974, before earning his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in 1978 and his law degree from the University of Idaho in 1981. Bill maintained a general litigation practice and served as Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney before joining the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes as their lead attorney. He was licensed to practice in Idaho, Illinois, Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Court, the U.S. District Court for Idaho, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
Bill dedicated 37 extraordinary years of service to the Tribes, including 12 years as Tribal Judge and 24 years as General Counsel, during which he served as a tireless advocate for tribal sovereignty and a steadfast protector of the Tribes’ rights and future. His honors reflect a career of excellence and integrity. He was a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar Association and received the 2023 Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Attorney award, recognizing his high legal ability and ethical standards.
He was truly the life of the party, known for his infectious laugh and warm smile that could light up any room. He was kind, humble and welcoming. To Bill, no one was a stranger, just a friend he had not met yet. Bill was a man of many talents, he was a trusted resource to those around him, had a passion for music, cooking, skiing, hunting, fishing, watching football and found deep meaning through his participation in various tribal ceremonies. He always looked forward to the annual "board meeting" with “the boys.”
Above all, he was a proud father and he cherished his role as a grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and his beloved dog, Wrigley.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Lisa Bacon; daughters, Lindsey Bacon, Mary Bacon Farrell (Colin Farrell), and Jillian Bacon Shervey (Alex Shervey); his grandchildren Eleanor Farrell, Cal Shervey, and Kennedy Shervey; his mother, Arlene; brother Bruce Bacon (Cyd); and sisters Cheryl Beran (Ron) and MaryAnne Britt; along with several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life to honor Bill will be held Friday, April 17, 2026, at The Purpose Event Center, 224 N. Union Pacific Ave., Pocatello, Idaho, from 3 to 6 p.m. Friends and family are invited to attend and join in remembrance and celebration.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Park Foundation below or to Henry's Fork Foundation (https://henrysfork.org/donate/) in Bill's honor.
His spirit, his laughter, and his love will never be forgotten.
