Allan Richard Packer

ALLAN RICHARD PACKER AUGUST 12, 1924 - FEBRUARY 5, 2022 Allan Richard Packer was born on August 12, 1924 to Roscoe and Jennette (Wells) Packer in Marshalltown, Iowa. He grew up on a farm in the Depression in Marshall County and graduated from Marshalltown High School in the class of 1942. Al enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in December 1942 and subsequently served in Europe in the 8th Air Force as a fighter pilot. In 1945, Al became a POW in Germany after being shot down. After WWII, he attended the U.S. Military Academy West Point graduating in the class of 1950. Al flew as an Air Force exchange fighter pilot with the carrier Air Group 7 in the U.S. Navy off the Bon Homme Richard aircraft carrier in Korea. After Korea, he then served with USAF Air Defense Command, the Air National Guard, Military Airlift Command, Tactical Air Command and HQ USAF. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1975 at the rank of Colonel. Al returned to his roots at his farm in Marshall County where he enjoyed raising his family. He also spent much time working with his bulldozers and heavy equipment on his farm with his brother. In addition, he took pleasure in restoring his military Jeep. Al was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and American Ex-POWs. He was an active participant in these organizations and often gave Memorial Day and other public presentations. He served on the Marshall County Soil and Water Commission and was a member of the Iowa Farm Bureau and Marshalltown Veterans Memorial Coliseum Commission and the Iowa Veterans Council. He was, as well, a long-time member of the First Congregational Church in Marshalltown. Al was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Mariska VanBemmel, second wife Karen Gilliland and his brother Charles W. Packer. Al is survived by his wife Sandra Packer; two sons Rev. Dr. Charles Packer, Waterford, Ml; Paul (Julianne) Packer, Marshalltown; daughter Joan Wells, Apache Junction, AZ; granddaughters Sarah (Blake) Latham, Wilton, IA; Jenni (Mark) O'Connor, W. Des Moines; grandson Mark (Jana) Chase, Dania Beach, Florida; great grandchildren Madelyn Latham, Carson and Christian O'Connor, Adrian, Nathan and Meghan Chase. There will be no visitation. Services will be Friday, February 11, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational Church 312 W. Main Street, Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Congregational Church. Mitchell Family Funeral home has been entrusted with the care of Al and his family. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. -lovingly written by the family