Glen Everett Bacus

Glen Everett Bacus was born July 9, 1938, in Alton, Illinois. He died in his home July 14, 2009, just after his 71st birthday. He is survived by his sister, Wilma Hanes of Florida, his niece, Lou Anna Burcham of Florida, nephews, Joshua Hanes of Missouri and Matthew Hanes of Texas, and many other nieces, nephews, great niece, great nephews, cousins, godchildren and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Jaunita Bacus, and by his wife, Karen Penner Bacus. Glen was a lifelong educator. He taught English, speech, writing and theater in several high schools and colleges in Kansas and Indiana, including 30 years at Morton Senior High School in Hammond, Indiana. He also directed many plays and musicals in community theaters and schools in Kansas and Indiana. He introduced thousands of students to the arts, especially literature and theater, and encouraged a lifelong love of those arts in countless students. He continued to enjoy reading books and attending plays throughout his retirement. Glen was active in the First Unitarian Church in Hobart, Indiana, for many years, and he was honored as an Elder for his decade of contributions to The Mankind Project in Chicago. He was a friend of Dr. Bob, and his generous support for many members of AA groups strengthened his own sobriety during the last 15 years of his life. Glen developed his artistic talent in a number of media. His beautiful glass art objects graced his home and the homes of numerous friends. The beauty of his yard was a joy and a point of pride. Glen was generous with many individuals and organizations. He was a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in the Lake County Court system. He also created an endowment, the Glen Bacus Fund, at the Legacy Foundation, Lake County\'s Community Foundation. The fund provides for youth art programming at three organizations: South Shore Arts, Hospice of the Calumet Area and their programs for children dealing with grief, and The Night Ministry in Chicago for their work with homeless youth. Friends can make gifts or donations to The Glen Bacus Fund in his honor and memory by contacting Legacy Foundation, 1000 E.80th Pl. #302, Merrillville, IN 46410. There will be a memorial service for Glen on Thursday, August 13, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Hobart, 497 Main Street. Janet French will officiate. Cremation at Burns Funeral Home will have preceded the memorial service. Interment will be at the Furnessville Cemetery, Furnessville, Indiana. Glen will be missed dearly by family, friends, colleagues and former students across the country.

Glen Everett Bacus

July 9, 1938 - July 14, 2009