John Thomas Baccus

1942 - 2026

Dr. John Thomas Baccus was born in Seymour, Texas, on January 1, 1942, to Mr. and Mrs. Lee Roy Baccus and departed this life on February 24, 2024, at the age of 84 years. John was a man of high principles, and he loved the Lord all his life. The last few years, he spent writing a book on Satan and his power. This book will be published in the near future. He wanted all people to know that this life is fragile, short, and determines our destination for eternity. His greatest desire was to meet the Lord when the angels carried him from the earth.



John earned a PhD from University of North Texas and his work years were devoted to the study of wildlife ecology and wildlife management. He was widely published in these areas and his co-authoring of the Mammals of Korea has sold 3 million copies. He developed the Wildlife Biology Program at Texas State University in San Marcos, and taught there for almost forty years. During his tenure, he graduated over 100 Masters degree and several Ph.D. students. Among the many awards he received were: Robert L. Packard Outstanding Educator Award; Lifetime Membership in the Southwestern Naturalist Association; Midwestern State University Alumni Association College of Science and Mathematics, Outstanding Alumnus 2004, Outstanding Achievement, The Wildlife Society, Texas Chapter; Southwest Texas State Presidential Seminar Award 1986 and in 2010, he was named a Regents Professor by the Texas State Board of Regents. After retiring from Texas State University, he moved to Lubbock where he taught in the Texas Tech University system, as adjunct professor.



John is survived by his wife, Shella Bibb Baccus; and by Mark Baccus and wife, Kathryn; Alan Baccus and wife, Christina; and two grandchildren, Josh Baccus and Kara Baccus Bookman and their families. He also has two great-grandchildren, Logan Baccus and Knox Bookman, and a much-loved brother, Carroll Lee Baccus, of Sherman.



Our hearts are grieving, yet, with no doubt, the Lord met him when he was escorted by rejoicing angels into heaven's gates. He is now where he lived his entire life to be: In the presence of the Lord.

A visitation was held from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Archer Funeral Home in Seymour, Texas. January 1, 1942 - February 24, 2026