Raymond C. Packard, Sr.

Raymond C. Packard, Sr., 97, of Conneaut Lake, died Monday, April 6, 2015 at Meadville Medical Center.

He was born October 6, 1917 in Greenville, a son of David C. and Bertha R. Artman Packard.  He married Shirley Mix August 9, 1946 and she preceded him in death July 19, 2011.

Ray was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in North Africa, Burma, India and Italy.  He was employed for 34 years as a mechanic at Avtex, retiring in 1982.  He previously did cement contracting work in Greenville for 3 years.

Ray was a life-member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006, Meadville and the Vernon Central Volunteer Fire Department.  He was an active volunteer with Active Aging, Inc. of Crawford County where he helped initiate their annual “Through A Veterans’ Eye” program.  He also volunteered with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and enjoyed golfing and woodworking.

Ray was a member of High Street Community Church, Conneaut Lake.

Survivors include two sons, Raymond Packard, Jr. and his wife Peggy of Meadville and Chester Packard and his wife Ruth of Hartstown; a daughter, Micheleen Jacobson and her husband Andrew of Newville; five grandchildren, Stephanie Breckenridge and her husband Scott, Matthew Packard, Kami Packard, Joshua Packard and his wife Tina, and Stacy Stine and her husband Jeremy; eight great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Dinah Packard of Greenville; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Showers and five brothers, Paul, Jacob, John, Burton, and Lawrence Packard.

Calling hours will be Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Waid-Coleman Funeral Home, 12422 Conneaut Lake Rd., Conneaut Lake where the funeral and committal service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. William Rogers, Pastor of High Street Community Church, officiating.  Military honors will be provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006.

Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Meadville.

Memorials may be made to Active Aging, Inc., 1034 Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335 or High Street Community Church, P.O. Box 248, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidcolemanfh.com.