Francis Warner Bacon, 87, of Erie, Pa., died peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 21 at St. Mary’s at Asbury Ridge. He was born in 1920 in Erie, the son of the late Edwin and Agnes Carroll Bacon.

Warner was one of the first students to attend the Erie Day School. He was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School. In 1942 he graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. At Cornell he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and ROTC. After graduation he entered the Third United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 59th Signal Battalion. He served in London and France During World War II and was promoted to captain. He was awarded the bronze star.

After the war, Warner went to work at Erie Tool Works, the company his grandfather Frank Warner Bacon founded in 1902, located at 12th and Liberty. During his tenure, Erie Tool Works acquired Lakeview Forge, located on Pittsburgh avenue. After the business was bought by Textron in 1965, Warner succeeded in buying the company back in 1972. One of his greatest achievements and pleasures was leading his company as president and chief executive officer. He was a well respected businessman in the Erie community.

Warner was president of the Manufacturers Association of Northwest Pennsylvania, and served on the board of the Erie Cemetery Board of Incorporators. While he was a member of the Erie Club, he enjoyed the camaraderie and discussions at the “round table.” He was also a member of the Aviation Club and the Captiva Yacht Club. He was an usher and a member of the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint Paul.

In 1947 Warner met the love of his life, Nancy Elizabeth Lance from Scarsdale, N.Y. They were married a year later in Ashtabula, Ohio, and raised four children.

An avid hunter, fisherman and skier, Warner loved being outdoors. One of the highlights of his life was a six-week safari he took in Tanzania, Africa, in 1968. Many summers were spent at Warner and Nancy’s island cottage in Cognashene, Georgian Bay, Canada, where Warner loved to fish and relax with family and friends. During his retirement years Warner also loved to spend time with family and friends on the Vineyard and Sanibel Island.

A captain of industry, an avid grouse hunter, a devoted husband, a loving father — kind and humble, he was a loyal friend to all who knew him.

Warner is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy Lance Bacon; his three sisters, Nancy Andrews of Erie, Carroll Klahr of Savannah, Ga., Jean Smith, of Kona, Hawaii; his four children, Nan Bacon of Oak Bluffs, E. Warner Bacon of Erie, Matthew L. Bacon and his wife Gina, of Fairview, and Catherine (Kitty) Bacon Koch and her husband Jim of Wellesley; seven grandchildren, Everett Bacon of Portland, Or., Ashley Bacon, Natalie Bacon, Abigail Bacon and Molly Bacon, all of Fairview, Pa., and Christopher Koch and Carrie Koch of Wellesley; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life was held at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul on West 6th street on Saturday, Nov. 24, in Erie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul, 134 W. 7th, Erie PA 16501 or to the Alzheimer’s Association 1128 State St. Ste. 301 Erie, PA 16501.

Condolences may be sent to www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.