Howard C. Packett

February 23, 1932 - June 7, 2025

Howard C. Packett, 93, died on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Mr. Packett was born on February 23, 1932, in Kilmarnock, Virginia, to the late Ella New Packett and Carroll E. Packett. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Jane Witt Hogan Packett; and brother, William Edward Packett. He is survived by two sons, John Packett of Baltimore, and Mark Packett of Salem: two grandchildren, Errin Lynn Packett of Salem, and Oliver Howard Packett of Baltimore. Also surviving is Brenda's children, Elizabeth and Evan Stillen of Salem; sister, Sue Ellen Avellar of Ellicott City; three nephews and four nieces.

He was a former mayor of Salem and served on the city council for twenty-four years. A graduate of Washington & Lee University, he was a U.S. Marine and served in the Korean War. He was a former reporter for The Roanoke Times and spent almost thirty years in the advertising agency business, retiring in 1988, as President of the Packett group, one of Virginia's largest advertising agencies at the time. Mr. Packett became a realtor and was active in that business for many years. He was very active in the community, serving on many boards and commissions throughout the Roanoke Valley. He was a former chairman and treasurer of the Roanoke Valley/Alleghany Regional Commission and the Metropolitan Planning Organization. He also served on the boards of the United Way, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, Salem Planning Commission, Salem/Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, President of Roanoke Country Club, Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Council, Total Action Against Poverty, Children's Health Investment Partnership, Salem Historical Society, American Legion Post #3, Founder and President of the Salem Men's Garden Club, Blue Ridge Public Television, Virginia Museum of Transportation, and Western Virginia Land Trust. Mr. Packett was a recipient of the Sam Walton Business Leadership Award and the Paul Harris Fellow Award of Rotary International. He was awarded the Silver Medal from the Advertising Federation of Roanoke Valley and each year the Packett award is given the Best of Show at the organization's creative award show.

A private graveside service will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to First United Methodist Church or Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Jun. 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Packett

Sponsored by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.

5 Entries

Linda Musgrove

June 24, 2025

I met Howard several years back when I got a job with Smith/Packett. Construction for the units at The Peaks was well underway at the time and Howard was totally involved. He enjoyed meeting new people. Howard would bring his granddaughter Errin and I brought my granddaughter Rylea with me to The Peaks. They liked to visit the residents and walk their dogs. Those two girls explored every inch of the building. In the summer, Howard would head down to Chick-fil-a every afternoon to get a peach milkshake. He loved those things. Howard was a very professional and kind hearted man. He talked of his wife and family members often. Howard was one of the best people I have ever met and had the pleasure of working with.

My condolences to his family and especially Errin.

Penny Seidman

June 14, 2025

Remembering our times together bringing my fur babies still today they walk by your
Home ready to run in to get their scrubs. God allowed us to share life
With you sharing your life and mine on this journey toward heaven. You accepted Christ as your savior and will see you again. UR friend penny

Leslie Arrington

June 13, 2025

Mr. Packett use to call on Medeco Security Locks when I worked there years ago, always smiling and very kind to everyone. My condolences to his family.

Cheryl Griffith

June 12, 2025

Howard and Jane can´t say one without the other.
Wonderful friends, you will always be missed. Much love always.

Tom Langheim

June 11, 2025

Mr. Packett thank-you for believing in me. Thank-you for all the things you did to help me. Thank-you for all the words of encouragement, great stories and wisdom you imparted. Your contributions to the Salem and the Roanoke Valley have benefitted everyone living in the area. Most of all, thank-you for your friendship and always sharing your time with me and making me and my family feel welcome in your home. Rest in Peace, love and much gratitude.
Tom, Aeron, Maia and Julia Langheim

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