Frank O. Packard Jr., Lt. Colonel (Ret.)

Frank O. Packard, Jr., Lt. Colonel (Ret.) passed away on May 4, 2019 at the age of 93. He was born on November 15, 1925, in Booneville, Missouri, the first son of Frank and Marie Packard. Early on, the family moved to Oklahoma, then on to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Frank was enrolled at Santa Fe High School. He attended UT Austin, briefly, before joining the Army and serving in both WWII (France) and in the Korean War. He was a career Army man, having risen through the ranks from PFC to Lt. Colonel. Along the way, Frank was stationed in Germany, twice, and in many states around the country. Frank retired in 1967; he subsequently worked as a human relations manager in private industry, before pursuing several entrepreneurial ventures.

Frank was a man dedicated to his family. Between WWII and the Korean War, he attended the University of New Mexico, where he met his beautiful wife, Theodora “Teddy” Skeats. They were blessed with two daughters, Feliz and Patricia. Frank’s unwavering love and devotion to Teddy, during her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, was truly inspirational. Teddy predeceased him in 1996.

Frank was a man possessed of the strong principles, analytic mind, and discipline of a military officer and patriot; the deep sentiments of a musician; and the loving and generous heart of a loyal family man and friend. He was a mentor to many and a supportive friend to all. In Frank’s brain, the wheels were always turning – inquisitive about what people thought and felt. He planned – and acted on – ways to improve and support his neighborhood and the organizations to which he belonged. He traveled the world with relish (30 countries, give or take!), and especially loved spending time in his ancestral country of Switzerland. Memories of Frank playing tunes on his Alpenhorn, dressed in his Lederhosen and Bavarian hat, bring smiles to all who witnessed these special moments in time.

Frank is survived by his daughter, Feliz Tixier (Gary), of Albuquerque, and his daughter, Patricia LaCroix (Chuck), of Three Rivers, California.

Special thanks are given to the wonderful staff in the Memory Care unit of Elan Assisted Living. The family also thanks Comfort Keepers for their outstanding caregivers—especially Casey, who has been the wind beneath our wings and is, truly, an angel on this earth.

No service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Wounded Warriors, the NRA, or the Santa Fe High School Band. For the latter, donations may be made to: SFHS Band Boosters/ c/o Partners in Education/1300 Sierra Vista Ave./Santa Fe, NM 87505

OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE; THEY JUST FADE AWAY…