John K. Packhem

BEDFORD - John K. Packhem, 90, of Bedford, died March 27, 2013, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack.

He was born in Portland, Maine, on April 12, 1922, the son of Nelson J. and Julia (Kennard) Packhem. He grew up in South Portland, Maine, and was a 1940 graduate of South Portland High School.

Following high school, John worked at the South Portland Shipyard and the New England Telephone Company until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. John trained as a Navy pilot and served in the U.S. Navy for four years. While stationed in Jacksonville, Fla., John met Gloria L. Crabtree and they were married in 1945.

John and Gloria returned to Maine in 1946 where John resumed his career with the New England Telephone Company. John's career with the New England Telephone Company spanned 43 years and he worked in Portland and Presque Isle, Maine, Manchester, Boston, and Framingham, Mass. John moved to Bedford in 1987. He retired in 1989 as the assistant general manager of engineering for Northern states and Rhode Island.

John lived life to the fullest. John navigated life with energy, a positive attitude and a wonderful sense of humor. He was an avid sports fan and played golf and swam into his 90th year.

He was predeceased by his wife, Gloria L. Packhem and his brother, David N. Packhem.

John was a beloved and devoted family member. He is survived by his daughter, Tina E. Packhem of Bedford; his daughter, Janice M. Saunders and her husband, Charles Saunders of Suwanee, Ga.; his sister, Eleanor M. Pierce of Contoocook; two grandsons; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

A private family burial will be held later in the spring.

.

SERVICES: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Community Hospice House, Attn: Development, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, 03054.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester, is assisting with arrangements.

To send a message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.