Donald Packer

Obituary for Donald Packer July 11, 1938 – March 14, 2026 With heavy hearts and a profound sense of gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Donald Packer on March 14, 2026. Born on July 11, 1938, in the quaint town of Hockingport, nestled in Athens County, OH, Don left this world peacefully, embraced by the love of his cherished family. Don was the beloved son of Harold C. Packer and June Gregory, whose early teachings and values shaped him into the man who would touch so many lives. His life was a testament to dedication, integrity, and love—a legacy that will be carried on by those he leaves behind. For 68 glorious years, Don shared his life with his dear wife, Patricia Hackathorne Packer, whose unwavering companionship and love stood as a beacon of strength and fidelity. Together, they built a nurturing home filled with warmth and laughter. Don is survived by his devoted daughter, Lori Packer Godfrey, and her husband, Shawn Godfrey, whose presence brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his brother, Ronald Packer, whose bond with Don was one of profound kinship and shared memories. His grandsons, Donhnall Godfrey, and his wife, Elizabeth Wallace Godfrey, and Erin Godfrey, along with his significant other, Bianca Lee, were sources of immense pride for Don. His legacy continues to flourish through his great-grandchildren, Finnegan and Edaline Godfrey, whose youthful spirits were a joy to his heart. A man of service, Don honorably served in the U.S. Army as an Armor Crewman from 1961 to 1963 and continued his commitment to his country with the Army Reserve until 1967. His professional life was spent at Corning Glass in Parkersburg, where he contributed to the Quality Control Department until his retirement in 1994. His colleagues remember him as a dedicated and diligent worker whose attention to detail was unmatched. Don was an active member of St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Church, where his faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was also a proud member of the Masons and the American Legion, where he formed lasting friendships and continued his service to the community. In his leisure, Don was an avid outdoorsman with a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty. His creative spirit flourished through carving and sketching serene nature scenes. He was also a golf enthusiast, but his greatest joy was the time spent with his family, each moment creating precious memories that will be cherished forever. Though quiet and soft-spoken, Don possessed a unique ability to enrich every conversation with his insights, warmth, and humor. Those who knew him will forever remember his gentle spirit and the joy he brought to their lives. In respecting Don’s wishes, a private funeral ceremony will be held. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Don’s memory to St. Joseph’s Indian School, an apostolate of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, via this link: Donation to St. Joseph's Indian School. Don’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Camden Clark Medical Center for their loving care and kindness, ensuring Don’s comfort during his final days. May the memory of Donald Packer live on in the hearts of all who knew him, a testament to a life filled with love, dedication, and quiet strength.