William "Bill" Packard, Jr.

Chief Master Sgt. William “Bill” Henry Packard, Jr., 89, airplane mechanic, took his final flight Home on November 2, 2025.

A retired mechanic, Bill was an inspiration to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was beloved by many and will be missed by all. Born in Uleta, FL on September 4, 1936, Bill was the 6th of 10 children. He graduated from North Miami High School on June 8, 1956, and enlisted in the Air Force the following September. Soon after that, he would meet his wife, Frances Jeanne Baxter, in Salina, KS. They would be married on January 16, 1959.

Bill was a man of action. He loved to fish, play golf, and fly his model airplanes. When he wasn’t at the airfield or at the range, you could find him at home, tinkering in his garage or in his favorite recliner, watching Westerns. But most of all, he loved being Papa to his many grand and great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, William H. Packard, Sr. and Emily (Dunsmore) Packard; brother, Dexter Packard; and sisters, Paula Smith, Emily Fields, Jeanne Overstreet, Velva Stone; and his son, Michael Packard.

Survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Frances “Jeanne” Packard; brother, Bruce Packard; sisters, Ruth Headley and Dixie Eaves; sons, William and Robert Packard; daughter, Cynthia Gestl; granddaughters, Nicole Larkey, Amanda Gestl, Cassandra Gestl, Danielle Brooks, and Tabitha Packard; grandsons, Jesse, Joey, Andrew, and Robert Packard, Jr.; and 18 great-grandchildren.

There will be a service in his memory at 10:00 am, Monday, November 10, 2025, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary, 6555 E. Central, Wichita, KS 67206.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS, 67219. Additionally, please also consider donating to Phoenix Home Health and Hospice (3450 N. Rock Rd., Bldg. 200, Ste. 213, Wichita, KS6 7226), for it was their amazing staff who made Bill’s final weeks comfortable and helped ease the family during this new transition.