Heber Avon Packard

1926 ~ 2013
Heber Avon (Von) Packard passed away peacefully with his beloved wife and family by his side on Wednesday, 8 May 2013.
Von was born 5 May 1926 in Nampa, Idaho to Forrest Leroy Packard and Esther Carter Packard, the seventh child of 17. In high school, Von served as the Idaho State FFA President before serving a 33 month mission to the Spanish America Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Von attended Brigham Young University where he met and married his sweetheart, Sheila Dunkerley, in the Idaho Falls Temple on 27 July 1950. They are the parents of 12 children: Sheila (Stephen) Driggs, Von (Ann), Mark (Bonnie), Garth (Susan), Paul (Sherrie), Marlys (Del) Lott, Philip (Lynne), Elaine (Mark) Moon, Rebecca (Lance) Garret, J.D. (Tiffany), Rachel (Michael) Florence and Jennifer (Paul) Pickett.
In 1956, Von graduated from the University of Oregon Dental School. He served as a dental officer in the Navy for two years at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA, before opening the office of Packard Dental in Carlsbad, CA, with his two brothers, Floyd and Ron. This was the most enjoyable time in Von's life as he and Sheila raised their family with his brothers and their children.
Von loved the Boy Scouts of America. His six sons were all Eagle Scouts, and he received the Silver Beaver award for his service in scouting. He was gifted with the love of music and a most beautiful tenor voice. He sang on hundreds of occasions, sharing his love of the gospel and family through music. He sang in church, funerals and most memorably - sang 'The Lilac Tree' at the wedding receptions of his children and many of his grandchildren. He served in the LDS Church as a member of the high council, seminary teacher, Regional Representative, Mission President of the Chile Santiago North Mission (1979 - 1982), Los Angeles Temple President (1992 - 1995), Stake Patriarch, and temple sealer. His greatest delights were those of missionary work and serving in the temple. In 2011, Von received the BYU Emeriti Alumni Recognition Award in honor of his life-long service both in the Church and his community.
Von loved to learn and teach the gospel. He was an avid reader - a student of the gospel, especially of the scriptures and particularly the Book of Mormon. He developed a great love and respect for both his Savior and the Prophet Joseph Smith. He honored his priesthood and his priesthood leaders. He was obedient in all things and taught his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to do the same. He was devoted to his wife and children, and brothers and sisters. He will be remembered for his countless hours of playing games, making taffy, singing in his beautiful voice and teaching those he loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Von is survived by his wife of 62 years, 12 children and their spouses, 68 grandchildren and 73 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all those who loved and knew him.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the Highland LDS Stake Center Chapel, 5335 West 11200 North in Highland. Family and friends may call Friday, May 17, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East in American Fork and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the stake center prior to services. Interment will follow services in the Highland City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to either the LDS Temple Patron Fund or Missionary Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com