Barry E. Packard of Willow Valley Communities went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Born in Tecumseh, MI, he was the son of the late Francis and Ruth (Holmes) Packard and was reared in Tecumseh. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn whom he met in Kijabe, Kenya in 1965 and married in 1968.
He was a teacher and professor. He received degrees as follows: Adrian College (BA [cum laude] majoring in history & English), University of Michigan (MA in History), and Temple University (Ed.D. combined social studies ed & history). Additional studies were done at Columbia University, the University of London (Eng), Makerere University in Uganda, Northeastern Bible Institute, Millersville University, the University of Toledo OH, and the University of Virginia.
He served for seven years in African schools in Kenya: at Kapsabet as Senior Science Master and taught biology and history, at Kijabe as assistant headmaster and taught biology, English, comp/grammar/literature, and at Litein as headmaster and taught English Composition, grammar, literature, and Old Testament Survey. He also taught history in Bloomfield public school (NJ) and taught together with Evelyn at Nebraska Christian School and Pacific Island Bible College in Micronesia. He ended his 45 years of teaching after 36 years at Lancaster Bible College, serving for a few years as Arts and Science chairman and leaving as Professor Emeritus.
He enjoyed working with Evelyn in teaching African students and teaching Sunday School to Kipsigis children, in vacation Bible school at Westminster Presbyterian Church, in CEF Five Day Clubs, and with other members from Westminster in a Good News Club. He likewise enjoyed team teaching a men's class for years with Ken Dunlap at Calvary Church and in Release Time with other members from Harvest Presbyterian Church.
He was always thankful to the Lord's Grace and Blessings: first with giving him Evelyn as a devoted, multitalented and loving wife, second by being 1 of 150 teachers selected from over 1,300 applicants for the U.S. Government's Teachers for East Africa Project, third being 1 of 2 teachers representing Kenya at the international Congress on the Writing and teaching of African History, fourth by being invited to a dinner at the British Parliament hosted by the Lord Spraker of the House of Lords & the Majority Whip of the House of Commons, fifth being invited to the second inauguration of President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, sixth being listed in Outstanding Young Men of America, and lastly being elected to Tecumseh High School's Wall of Fame.
Surviving him are two sons, Daniel of Las Vegas, NV and David of Landisville, PA with his wife, Whitney, and two grandsons, Jude and Micah, and granddaughter, Rose. Additionally surviving are five brothers: Bruce, Brian, Terry, Richard, and Timothy. He was preceded in death by one sister, Brynn.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be private following the service in the church cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 or Harvest Presbyterian Church, 517 Beaver Valley Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602 for other information or to send online condolences to the family. Please visit our website at:
DeBordSnyder.com 717-394-4097
