Thomas Max Packer

Thomas Max Packer, age 74, passed away Friday, May 19th, 2023, due to heart complications. He was born March 3rd, 1949, in Ogden, Utah to William and Viola Packer. In 1956 his family moved to Kaysville, Utah and made it their permanent residence. Tom was an active kid, to say the least, and gave his amazing parents quite the time raising him. Tom attended Davis High School where he became a star in athletics and on the stage as well as being very active in running amok in the Kaysville area. Tom would later attend Mesa University and Weber State where he played football and received his bachelor’s degree. Later he would attend Utah State to gain a master’s degree.

Tom was married to the love of his life, Lynn Packer in 1982. Both coming out of previous marriages, they blended their families and lives together like the colors of the rainbow being a perfect complement to each other and accomplishing a life to be proud of.

Tom was active in the LDS Church, serving a mission in Southern California and fulfilling many church roles; teaching Gospel Doctrine being his favorite. Tom was a teacher at Farmington Junior High, Davis High and Dixie Middle School, a real estate agent, a contractor, an actor, a Hawaii tour guide, a Chef, a track and football coach, a drama teacher, a counselor, an artist, a storyteller and so many more things. He was best known for being Father Christmas, doing most of his work with the Dickens Festival but he also visited many homes regularly over his 50-year tenure as the man in red. His best calling in life though, was being a Father to 6 boys who he taught to be good, hard-working men who love and respect their Mother, and will miss his stories and advice dearly.

Tom is survived by his wife Lynn Packer, and sons: Matt Kailing (Johnna), Phillip Packer (Tiffany), Justin Kailing (Mandy), TJ Packer (Kallie), Willy Packer (Julie), and Sam Packer (Asia); 21 grandchildren with another on the way, his brother Scott (Marilyn), sisters Kathleen Blood, Annette Bitner, and Noelene (Kent) Cammack. He was preceded in death by his parents, former spouse Marilee Waite Packer, and Brother in laws: Mike Blood and Bruce Bitner.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 26^th, 2023, at 11am in the Pioneer Parkway Chapel in Santa Clara, Utah, 3680 Pioneer Parkway. Friends and Family may visit for a viewing Thursday, May 25^th from 5-7pm in the Pioneer Parkway Chapel.

Many thanks to all those who have reached out with their condolences and stories about Tom (we love hearing them), he was an amazing man with an amazing ability to draw people in with his clear and powerful voice.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Tom’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com

In leu of flowers or gifts we ask that you donate to the Primary Childrens Hospital

intermountainhealthcare.org/primary-childrens/give/gifts-in-kind/