David Earl Packard

David Packard was born in Lamar on July 8th, 1956, to Alvin and Frances Packard. He was raised on the family farm south of Springfield along with his 5 siblings. David was an avid reader and could always be found with his nose in a book, often ignoring everyone. He was very good at ignoring, especially living in a small house with 7 other people in it. David worked at the family farm and slowly hired out for neighbors. He enjoyed working and worked for Ted Lasley Farms. He really became close working harvest with Grandpa Hiner and Ivan Dunsworth harvesting and odd jobs. David attended Springfield School where he was involved in football and basketball, but football was definitely his favorite sport. During his senior year he fractured his lumbar spine playing football. He and his buddy, Mike Wallace, had big plans to play college football together, but unfortunately David’s football future was over. He was flat on his back at home, so Dad finally let Grandpa Hiner bring a TV home from Montgomery Wards. But David and siblings were restricted to watch only Gunsmoke, Little House on The Prairie, and The Waltons. He recovered but had to wear a back brace for months. As soon as David was able, he started his small bale stacking business around the county and later joined Cousin Paul Lowe in Keys, OK for a hay form. He came home to Springfield and would ride along with the Springfield Police Department and his youngest brother, Keith. After helping the entire department for a few months, David decided to go to the Police Academy and joined law enforcement where he and Keith were partners for several years. He then moved up to work for Willard Goff for the Baca County Sheriff's Office. David married Michelle Leimkuhler and to this union one son, Phillip, was born. He loved the mountains and fishing, so he got a job with the Buena Vista Sheriff’s Office. He met and married Jessica and added 2 more sons, David Jr. and Terrance. Their jobs eventually took them to Colorado Springs where they lived for several years. David took a job with DIA where he quickly found himself moved to upper management in TSA Security. He had over 200 people working under him checking bags as they came through security. While working, David took on-line classes to obtain his bachelor’s degree. He eventually moved back home to help his family on their own farms. He enjoyed helping each one of them and Stewart Eskew with whatever they needed. David loved being outside and farming. In November 2012, David married Adah and settled back in Springfield. Due to health reasons he had to stop farming with his friend Stewart. David’s declining health had him sticking close to home and puttering around the house.

David is preceded in death by his dad, Alvin Packard; Brother, Leonard Packard; both maternal and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Adah; his mom, Frances (Hiner) Packard; sons, Phillip, Dave JR and wife Brandy, and Terrance and wife Megan; 6 grandchildren, Brothers, Marvin and wife Linda, Oran, Keith and wife Kristen; Sister, Bonna and husband Curtis; Sister-in-law, Jackie, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The David Packard Memorial Fund has been established at People’s Credit Union, 125 Main Street, Springfield, CO 81073 to help with funeral expenses.