Another Oracle gone

Mike Packard, or “Mick” as his high school friends knew him, was a year older than I but we were in high school musical groups together and were friends.

When I was writing a weekly column on motorcycling for The Indianapolis News and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles was about to institute motorcycle skills testing, I called Mick to ask if I would watch examiners being trained. He did me one better and invited me to be a member of the first class of examiners.

I accepted and eventually helped train new examiners until Evan Bayh became governor in 1989 and put skills testing in the hands of fulltime BMV employees.

Here’s his obit from The Indianapolis Star:

 

Michael M. Packard of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on April 25, 2013, following a battle with cancer. Michael was born on January 16, 1944 to Marvin and Alta Packard in Delphi, IN. He married Lorrie (McMinn) Packard in June of 1990. They have two children, Kameron and Keenan.

Michael graduated from Delphi High School in 1962 and graduated from Indiana State University with a B.S. degree in Psychology in 1966.

He worked for PSI Electric and then was Comptroller at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. There he was appointed Commissioner of the BMV by Governor Otis Bowen. He received the Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Bowen. He was also appointed as acting State Auditor, acting Secretary of State, and acting State Treasurer during his political career. Michael also was Deputy Constable for Decatur Township for 18 years.

Michael loved horseback riding and was a member of the "Wild Bunch." He was also active in Boy Scouts of America for several years. Michael was also Assistant Golf Coach at Decatur Middle School for five years.

Michael is survived by his wife and children. He also leaves behind three brothers, Dave (Pennie), Rick (Ellen) and Bob.

Family and friends may attend calling from 2 P.M. to 6 P.M. on Sunday, April 28, 2013 and from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M., Monday, April 29, 2013 in Jones Family Mortuary in Mooresville, IN. Charles Paxton will officiate the 10 A.M. celebration of life funeral on Monday, April 29, 2013 in Jones Family Mortuary. Michael will be laid to rest in West Newton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Camby Community Church, 8604 Camby Road, Camby, IN 46113. Website and online condolences: http://www.jonesfamilymortuary.com