Gerald H. Packard

Gerald H. Packard, age 88 of Arthur, died Friday (Nov. 29, 2002) at the Indian Hills Manor Nursing Home. He was born Aug. 14, 1914, in Keystone, to George C. and Bessie L. Barnt Packard. He received his early schooling in rural Arthur County. Gerald attended and graduated from Arthur County High School in 1932. He married LaVonne P. Lloyd in 1932.

She died April 26, 1939. Gerald was a rural Arthur County mail carrier from the Paxton Post office and also delivered freight. Gerald attended welding school in Omaha and worked on the Dam at Lake McConaughy. He moved to California in the late 30's and met and married Ardath Workman on July 5, 1942, in Torrance, Calif. He worked in the shipyards at Long Beach, Calif., during World War II. They returned to Arthur County in 1948 to the family homestead ranch. They lived on the ranch for their remaining years. Ardath died on Jan. 28, 1990.

Gerald was active in many organizations. He was a member of the Arthur Baptist Church, a 50 year member of the Ogallala Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 159. A charter member of the Ogallala Elks Lodge No. 1760. Member of the Ogallala Moose Lodge, the Nebraska Cattleman Association. A former Arthur County Commissioner, member of the Arthur Backpackers. He was very supportive of the PAKS program of Unit No. 16. Gerald was a life long pilot.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon (William) Welsh of Culbertson; a son, Gerald W.(Shirley) Packard of Arthur; a foster son, Al Saunders of Ohio; one brother, Donald E. Packard of Ogallala; one sister, Ruth Hedgecock of Grand Island; a sister-in-law, Ruth Packard; 10 grand children; and 17 great grandchildren.

His parents; wife, Lavonne P. and wife, Ardath; a son Glen Packard; and one brother Clinton preceded him in death.

Funeral services for Gerald Packard will be Tuesday, 1 p.m., from the Arthur Baptist Church with the Rev. Glendon Epp officiating. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery with Ogallala Elks Lodge No. 1760 giving grave side rites. A memorial has been established to the Arthur Baptist Church. The family will greet friends after the graveside rites in Ogallala at Front Street Steak House in Ogallala.

Visitation for Gerald Packard will be today until 6 p.m. at the Draucker Funeral Home.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.