Kenneth Harry Packard

Kenneth Harry Packard, 81, of Ashland, Ohio, passed peacefully into the presence of his Heavenly Father on November 27, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Ken was born in Burbank, Ohio, on October 20, 1944, to Harry and Hilda (Bloch) Packard. He attended Burbank Elementary School and graduated from Norwayne High School in 1962. During his high school years, he earned national recognition as a senior singles roller skater.

Following graduation, Ken enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving from 1962 to 1965 during the Vietnam War. On July 15, 1967, he married Evelyn Kay Wilson in Spencer, Ohio.

From 1967 to 1972, Ken attended Kent State University while working full time, where he regularly earned a place on the Dean’s List. After graduating in 1972, he began his career at the Wayne County Schools Career Center as an English and history teacher. Over the next 26 years, Ken served as both teacher and administrator, culminating in his role as Wayne County Schools Career Center superintendent from 1991 until his retirement in 1999.

Ken continued to pour into future educators through his work at Ashland University as a field experience and student teaching supervisor and adjunct professor. He was recognized as a Professional Fellow and, in 2011, received the National Distinguished Clinician Award, given to the top student teacher supervisor in the United States. He retired from Ashland University in 2017.

Ken’s faith was important to him. He was a member of the Glenmont Church of Christ, the Grove Church of Christ, and most recently St. John’s Church of Millersburg, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, usher, and council member for several years.

He was an avid reader, lifelong learner, and ever-optimistic Browns fan. He was proud of his service to his country and of those who served with him. He loved traveling with his family, especially their trips to Destin, Florida, where Ken and Evelyn, along with their children and grandchildren, spent more than 35 years making memories on the beach and in the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Ken’s happiest moments were spent supporting his family, making them laugh with his incredible sense of humor, and sharing wise advice whenever it was needed. He was especially proud of his grandchildren Emma, Jacob, Aiden, and Ethan.

Ken is survived by his wife of 58 years, Evelyn (Wilson) Packard; sons and daughters-in-law Josh and Wendy Packard of Ashland and Zach and Kristy Packard of Beavercreek; and four grandchildren, Emma, Jacob, Aiden, and Ethan. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Delores Packard, Susan Packard, Regina Wilson, and Shirlee Jones; brother-in-law Tom Wilson; nieces Stephanie Helinski, Stacie Packard and Risa Snyder; nephews Ted Wilson and Matthew Packard; as well as many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Hilda Packard; his brothers, Robert and Samuel Packard; his sister-in-law Thelma Riggenbach and her husband John and brother-in-law, Dave Jones.

Ken will be missed tremendously, but will be remembered for his wisdom, faith, sense of humor, and his unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the lives of his family, countless students, teachers, friends, and loved ones he touched throughout his life.

Services will be Thursday, Dec. 4th at 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s Church, 8670 Oh-39, Millersburg, with Pastor Don Stowell officiating. Burial will be in Kaylor Ridge Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John’s Church, 8670 OH-39, Millersburg, OH 44654 or to the Wounded Warriors, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS, 66675-8516.