IRA J. PACKARD SEARSMONT – Ira Joseph Packard, 97, a life long resident of Searsmont, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, at Harbor Hill, Belfast. Born July 30, 1910, at home, he was the son of Joseph and Minerva Packard. His sixth great-grandfather came from England to the United States in 1638. He was a graduate of Searsmont High School and the University of Maine, where he received a degree in dairy husbandry. From 1935 to 1940, he was a high school teacher at Machias High School. In 1941, he married a schoolteacher, Marietta Welch of Machiasport. They returned to Searsmont when his father became ill and after his death took over the family farm. Ira had been active in community affairs and had served as tax collector during the 1940s. He was a life member of Searsmont United Methodist Church and had also served as church trustee. A 76-year member of Quantabacook Masonic Lodge, Searsmont, which he joined in 1931, Ira received his 75-year pin from his lodge brothers, November 2006. Ira’s other memberships included the Rosewood Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Searsmont; the Victor Grange; a 35 plus year member and former officer of the Dirigo Grange; a 35 plus year member and former chairman of ASCS; a member and former president of Waldo County Extension Service; and a member of Alpha Zeta Honor Society of the University of Maine. In 2005, Packard received the Boston Post Cane. An avid golfer until the age of 95, Packard had been a 35-year member of Country View Golf Club, Brooks. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Marietta W. Packard in 1998. Surviving are nieces and nephews, Robert Smith and his wife, Pat, of California, Morris Smith and wife, Shirley, of Liberty, Norma Thompson, Hildred Corum, Frances Hardy, Natalie Abudreu, Joseph Packard, William Packard and James Packard; a very special great-niece, Ginger Small and her husband, George; and a friend, Palmer Pearson. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, with a reception and Masonic service after at Searsmont United Methodist Church with the Rev. Michelle Grube officiating. Interment will be held after at Oak Grove Cemetery, Searsmont. Memorial donations may be made to Sears-mont United Methodist Church, Searsmont, ME 04973. Arrange-ments are with Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain St., Camden.
IRA J. PACKARD
