Francis Packer

Francis Edward "Ed" Packer died Saturday, June 11, 2011, in Durango following a lengthy illness. Private graveside services have been conducted and a memorial service will be held at the Faith Community Church of the Nazarene in Durango, Colo., on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 3:00 p.m.

Mr. Packer was born in Pagosa Springs, Colo., to William and Vera Packer on July 20, 1929. Ed grew up in both Pagosa Springs and Los Angeles, Calif. At a young age he sold newspapers and worked in grocery stores. Later, Mr. Packer began working as a custodian for North American Aviation, which later became Rockwell International.

In 1950, Mr. Packer married Frances M. Rockhill. In 1951, Mr. Packer was drafted into the Army and served for 1 1/2 years in the Korean War. Upon his return, Mr. Packer continued to serve our country in the reserves.

After the service, Mr. Packer returned to Rockwell International and worked there until his retirement in 1985. Through his career he advanced into the engineering department where he worked on several shuttles and the Apollo missions. Upon retiring, the Packers moved back to Durango.

Mr. Packer enjoyed woodworking, working on church campgrounds, and was an avid Rockies fan. He was a member of the Free Methodist Church and active in both the Free Methodist and the Faith Community Church of the Nazarene in Durango.

Mr. Packer was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Parker. He is survived by his wife Frances M. Packer of Durango; son Michael Packer of Anaheim, Calif.; daughter Debbie Fry of Durango; grandsons Brian Michael Packer and Mark Packer of Anaheim, Calif.; grandsons Tommy Michael Packer and Gabriel Fry of Durango; granddaughter April Fry of Durango; sister Maralyn Bruckman of Durango; sister Linda Cook of McAllester, Okla.; brother William Packer of Greenwood, Ark.; and numerous great-grandchildren.