BEDFORD, N.H. – Col. Bruce S. Packard, 84, of Bedford, N.H., entered into the arms of his heavenly savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, from the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, N.H., after a valiant battle with coronavirus complications. He was born in Lewiston, Maine, on Sept. 6, 1936, the son of the late Ernest and Hazel (Stevens) Packard. After his mother’s death soon after his birth, he was raised by his father and stepmother, Cora (Oldham) Packard, in Lewiston, Maine. A West Point graduate, Bruce proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 25 years, retiring in 1983. Decorations included the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, among others. He later worked as a Defense Contract Administrator for Sanders/Lockheed Martin from 1983-1995.Bruce loved classical music, was a voracious reader, and enjoyed watching his beloved sports teams and discussing politics. He was a long-time member of Bethany Covenant Church where he relished singing in the choir and participating in bible studies. He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Nancy (Bettencourt) Packard of Bedford; son, Craig Packard and his wife Karey of Londonderry, N.H.; two daughters, Debra Bartlett and her husband Rob of Londonderry, and Susan Humphrey and her husband Phil of Warwick, R.I.; 10 grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth Oldham of Portage, Mich.; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Lawrence Packard and a sister, Beatrice Packard, as well as one grandson, Keenan Packard.A walk-through wake with masks, social distancing and limited interaction with the family will be held on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, from 3-5 p.m., in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, N.H.Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m., in Bethany Covenant Church, 1 Covenant Way, Bedford (and will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person at http://www.vimeo.com/event/681181) with cremation to follow. The burial with military honors will be at a later date in the N.H. State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy., Boscawen, N.H. To send a condolence or for more information, please visit, http://www.peabodyfuneralhome.com

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