Dave Packer

MOUNT GILEAD - Dave Packer, age 80, of Mount Gilead, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, October 28, 2025, at Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware.

Born on August 21, 1945, in Galion, Ohio, Dave was a son of the late Irvin Hershel and Edna Mae (Wegener) Packer. He graduated from Highland High School in the Class of 1963.

A Vietnam Veteran, Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corps immediately after high school. During his service from May 1963 to May 1967, he proudly served as both a drill instructor and a Vietnamese interpreter. In November 2023, one of his greatest honors was participating in the Honor Flight program. Dave loved his country and was a true American patriot in all aspects of his life.

Dave married Maxine Edgell on October 25, 1997, in Las Vegas. Together they shared 28 loving years as husband and wife.

For 40 years, Dave worked for Sprint. He began his career as a lineman and worked his way up to a management position. Throughout his tenure, he oversaw operations across various regions of Ohio and Indiana. He retired in 2007.

Dave was happiest when he was outdoors. An avid golfer, he spent countless hours on the course and proudly served as hole captain for hole #6 at the Memorial Tournament for 27 years. He also organized the Memorial Marshalls Golf Tournament at Bent Tree Golf Course for 10 years. When he wasn't golfing, he could be found tending to his vegetable garden. He and Maxine loved camping (or some may call what they did "glamping") anywhere they could. For 10 years, they wintered together in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

Dave was known for his quick wit and legendary one-liners. Among his favorites were, "You can't fix stupid," "'Merica," and "Let me think about that… No!" He was a man who enjoyed life's simple pleasures like smoking meat, drinking a Tim Horton's coffee, and appreciating the company of those he loved most. Above all else, Dave treasured his family and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine, of Mount Gilead; his children: David (Nicole) Packer Jr. of Davis, IL, Andrew Packer of Lafayette, IN, Angie (Kevin Reeder) Bush of Edison, Eric (Cheryl) Bush of Westerville, Anthony (Teresa) Bush of Mount Gilead; grandchildren: Jared, Ellie (Trey), Andrea, Heather, Stephen (Lindsay), Anthony (Amanda), Amanda (Alex), Darren (Blair); three great grandchildren; sister, Betty (Ronald) Kunze of FL; brother-in-law, Norman Abraham of TN; sisters-in-law: Linda Packer of Mansfield, Sue Packer of Radnor; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Anthony Packer; a sister, Ruth Abraham; brothers: Larry Packer Sr. and Richard Packer; and his faithful four-legged companion, Lilly.

Dave's family will greet friends from 10 a.m. – 12p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Mount Gilead Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead, OH 43338. Services to honor and celebrate his life will begin there at 12 p.m. with Pastor Jerry Snavely officiating.

Memorial contributions in Dave's name may be made to Flag City Honor Flight, P.O. Box 885, Findlay, OH 45839 or at www.flagcityhonorflight.org/donate/. Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Dave's family. Special memories or condolences may be shared by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.