Robert C. Packard

Robert (Bob) Packard, 90, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024. He was born in Van Tassle, Wyoming, on January 19, 1934, to Robert Henry Packard and Elsey Mae (Rodgers) Packard. Bob attended school through 4th grade in Lusk, Wyoming, then the family moved to Orpha, Wyoming and he completed his education through the 8th grade. Afterwards, he and his father worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railway Company in Newell, South Dakota. Bob left the railroad and went to work on a seismograph crew for Texas Oil Company. 

A few months after marrying Doris Joan Packard on November 28,1953, he went to work at the Wyoming Market grocery store in Riverton, Wyoming. Bob worked 17 years as store manager for two grocery stores, with the last one, Olsen’s, located in Parsons, Kansas. In 1967, Bob started working as a firefighter for the City of Parsons at the entry level job of a Plugman. He retired after 20 years as a firefighter in the Fire Chief position, but he continued to work as a home painter, builder and electrician until 1996.

While living in Parsons, Bob was a member of First Baptist Church and Westside Christian Church. He served as an elder and deacon at Westside Christian Church and as a trustee at First Baptist Church. 

Bob and his wife moved to Topeka, Kansas in 2013. He was one of seven children, with three brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Doris Joan Packard, his son David (Cindy) Packard, and his two grandchildren, Jenna Stone and Chris Packard. Deceased are his brothers Bill (oldest), Dick and Don Packard and sisters, Dorothy Brewer and Rosetta Jordan and Doris Hafner. 

Bob’s hobbies were hunting, fishing and watching Western movies. 

A private time of celebration is planned for the immediate family. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Interim Healthcare Hospice of Topeka, 251 SW Arrowhead Rd Suite 103, Topeka, KS 66604.

Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel in Topeka is assisting the family. 

To share a memory of Bob or leave a special message for his family, visit the guestbook below.