Ralph Packer

Ralph David Packer, age 68, passed from this life at home in Odessa on Monday, November 14, 2011. He died peacefully and was surrounded by his loving family.

David was born July 23, 1943 in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania to Ralph J. Packer and Helen Harpster. He had one sister, Karyl.

He grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and attended Cumberland Vally High School. David joined the Marine Corp after high school. He went to photography school and was stationed in Japan where he served as a photographer for the Marine Corp during the Vietnam War.

After completing his tour of duty in the Marine Corp, he worked at a number of jobs. He found the passion of his life when he became a Service Officer for Disabled American Veterans in Temple, Texas at the VA hospital. David spent much of his time working with WWII veterans who were prisoners of war and were unaware of benefits available to them. He found great satisfaction in helping these members of the Greatest Generation.

David was a lifetime member of Veterans of Wars and a lifetime member and commander of several DAV organizations.

David is survived by his loving wife, Linda his devoted son, Zack two stepdaughters, Kim Hamilton and Terri Hamilton sister, Karyl Garner brotherinlaw, C. William Garner faithful friend, Kathy Dotts sistersinlaw, Doris Willis, Lila McPherson, and Brenda Clunn niece Cheryl Atkinson and nephews, James Bowling and Christopher Bowling.

David will be greatly missed. He fought a good fight and finished the race.

Graveside services are scheduled for 3:00 PM Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

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