Obituary of Dr. Martin Stephen Packer

Dr. Martin Stephen Packer, 72, son of Martin Seth Packer and Elizabeth Lewis Packer died Monday, April 15 in Austin, Texas in the company of his wife and children. He celebrated his 72nd birthday on April 7 and enjoyed a lovely party with his wife, children, and 9 grandchildren. 

Steve was born in Dallas, Texas on April 7, 1947. He graduated from W.W. Samuel High School and earned an economics degree from Howard Payne University, Brownwood, Texas. He went on to complete his Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Doctorate of Ministry (DMin) degrees from Southwestern Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth.

Steve’s life-long calling was to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and to serve the local body of Christ. He had the distinct privilege of serving in Christian ministry for over 45 years all throughout the state of Texas. Those blessed by his service were: First Baptist Church of Pasadena (1972-1978), College Avenue Baptist Church (1978-1982), Pleasant Terrance Baptist Church (1982-1990), Mt Lebanon Baptist Encampment (1990-1995) and First Baptist Church of Pittsburg, Texas (1995 - 2016). 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years Donna Packer, daughter Janet Reeves and husband Jesse Reeves, son David Packer and wife Shannon and son Daniel Packer and wife Courtney. Two brothers, Phil Packer of Houston and David Packer of Stuttgart, Germany and their families. Also, 9 grandchildren who he loved: Kate, Rachel, Austin and Dylan Reeves, Camden, Coyt, and Callie Packer, and Presley and Gracie Packer. He is also survived by his aunt and uncle, Nathan and Dorothy Ivey and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Visitation and Service will be held at the First Baptist Church, Pittsburg, TX on Friday, April 19. Visitation at 8-10 a.m. and service at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Grove Hill Cemetery, Dallas at 3 p.m. He will be buried beside his mother, Elizabeth Packer, and his grandparents, Grover Cleveland and Leann Lewis. Pallbearers for the service will be Will Lewis, Bill Lewis, Doug Mills, Michael Felkins, Ken Pilgrim, and Lanny Brenner.

Contributions can be made to First Baptist Church, Pittsburg, Texas for children and youth camp scholarships.