Clifton E. Packard

Dec.10, 1919 – Feb.17, 2013

NILES — Clifton E. Packard, 93, of Niles, Michigan, went home to be with his Savior on Sunday, February 17, 2013. The Des Moines, IA, native was born December 10, 1919, to Glenn E. and Birdie (Stauffer) Packard. Clif was a U.S.Army Air Corps veteran of WW II, and married Evelyn Divine on October 12, 1946.

A Journeyman Toolmaker, he was formerly employed at Studebaker Corp. before operating his own business, Union Tool & Cutter Service, in Mishawaka. After selling the business, he worked for Niblock Machinery, Inc. in Elkhart until his retirement in 1990. A member of the Beacon Baptist Church in Niles, he was also a member of the American Legion, LaRue Messenger Post #26, also in Niles. Clif was dedicated to the Lord, active in his church, and held various church offices in the area. He was a devoted family man and also enjoyed woodworking, and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Clif was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynne McKay.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Evelyn Packard of Niles; daughter, Karen (Jim) Van Huis of Granger; son, Tom (Barb) Packard of Granger; grandchildren, Janet (Wayne) Wilson of South Bend, Ruth Anne (Randy) Clifton of Granger, David (Crystal) Van Huis of Cassopolis, Jolae (Daniel) Bailey of Raleigh, NC, Jovon Packard of Durham, NC, and Danielle (Josh) Young of South Bend; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are 11:00 Friday, February 22, 2013, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy., where friends may call one hour prior to services. Calling is also Thursday, 5-8 pm, in the funeral home. Burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens with military hon-ors. Instead of flowers, the family’s preferred memorial is Beacon Baptist Church, 2522 S.13th Street, Niles, MI 49120

Source: Newspapers.com

06/06/2025 EJS