We are home now, back in India. God was so good to give us the privilege of celebrating Uncle Herschel's last Birthday, Valentines's Day, Feb. 14, 2017. with him before he went home to be with the Lord. We made a special journey to see him. Tim met us at the nursing home with a beautiful cake, "Happy 92nd Birthday, Dad". Our seven children caught up with Tim while Rajan and I sat with Uncle in the dining room as he ate dinner. I am thankful the Lord kept him here long enough to give me that deep joy. He finished his race in faith. We had a wonderful conversation, he was sharp and quick. We shared memories but we also talked about the people around him there. He had visited people in that nursing home before he was a resident.We enjoyed precious time singing together some of his favorite songs and hymns. His Bible was on his bedside table along with a book about prayer. We prayed for him, but the last thing was his powerful, strong, anointed prayer for our family! Uncle Hershey Bar was so sweet to me and I looked up to him as a child, and even now he is tall and strong and handsome in my mind, His voice is easy to remember, especially the way he called the names of Aunt Margaret, Vince, Tim, and Gaye. His laugh, or the twinkle in his eyes with a slight smile and chuckle...The Scriptures he would quote...the personal way he talked of God and how God was central to everything in life... He and Aunt Margaret came all the way to NC and blessed our wedding in '91 and I remember his comforting voice in '03 at the graveside of my Daddy, his brother-in-law, Cal Bacon,Sr. I am remembering times in his homes in Decatur, Edwardsville, Springfield. Oh, not long after we were married we shared a fun, wonderful trip with Dad,Mom,Uncle Herschel, and Aunt Margaret! The Lord used Uncle to bring my folks (Cal & Naomi) together way back in '52. I think he even chaperoned some of their courtship. So many memories, We miss dear, dear Aunt Margaret!! Heaven will be amazing as we worship Christ Jesus together for eternity. His ways are perfect. Love and hugs to you, dear family far away, yet in our hearts. Rajan, Beckye, Priscilla, Esther, Joshua, Rebekah, Israel, Grace, and Isaiah

I am so thankful for a Grandfather who knew the Lord and feared Him. I have so many memories of this man. He was not perfect. He could have a temper. He made no claim to be perfect. He was so funny! His humor always kept family gatherings fun. He made fish faces. He made us laugh so hard we nearly (or maybe did) wet our pants as he "cleaned our bellies". He led us in prayer each time we got together. He and Grandma would be on their knees every morning praying for family and friends. An example I will never forget. Paw-paw we are gonna miss you! We look forward to meeting you again one day. I will keep telling your stories to your great-grands.

Jim was grandfather to our son-in-law, Nate. So I guess that would make him grandfather-in-law to our daughter, Lauren, and great-grandfather to their 4 boys. Nancy, my wife, and I, when in Springfield, stayed with Jim and Margaret several times. These were very pleasant visits, both were godly, loving people. After Margaret passed we still enjoyed visiting with Jim. We look forward to the day when we all will be reunited with them, because of Jesus.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.