Kyle James Packer (63) of Effingham

Kyle James Packer, age 63, of Effingham, Illinois set out with Jesus early on May 18, 2024 for his final trip, overcoming the last of his obstacles on earth, and embarking on an eternal breathtaking adventure. They will soar through amazing vistas with no limits of time, pain, or lack of any kind. No adaptive equipment or special gear for comfort and safety will be needed; and for the first time, Kyle is making this whole journey without his wheelchair or even knee pads.

Kyle's earthly expedition began in Pocatello, Idaho on May 20th of 1960 when he was born to a loving family, with his parents - William Leonidas Packer and Alean Rose (Bowden) Packer, to guide him and help carry his load. Kyle was the fifth of six children, and together they met many challenges and learned from each other along the way.

Another grand adventure began on September 24th of 1988 when Kyle married Sheryl Jean (Caylor) Packer from Mulberry Grove, IL. Together they have two sons and a daughter who have sweetened the journey and helped to make many miles, mountains, and rapids possible.

Kyle was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1968. He graduated from Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho with the Class of 1978, and from Idaho State University with his B.A. in Social Work in 1984. He worked for many years as an advocate for individuals with disabilities, and served as a representative for the National Council of Independent Living (NCIL), representing Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. This role took him on several trips to Washington DC where he was involved in the passing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Kyle was there at the Capitol in 1990 when President George Bush signed it into law. He has also enjoyed speaking to many students to help break down barriers related to disability and was the subject of the documentary "An Uphill Climb". Kyle was a founding member of the Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group (CWHOG). The program provided him and many others with opportunities for high adventure pursuits in the outdoors including white water rafting, downhill skiing, scuba diving, horse-back riding, sea kayaking, and climbing. Kyle and Sheryl met through the CWHOG program and shared many white water and other outdoor adventures together. Some of the highlights of Kyle's travels before this final journey include rafting through the Grand Canyon in 1985, trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp in 1998, and a summit attempt on Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2008. He has been blessed with many amazing friends and family members who have helped him reach great heights and traverse deep valleys throughout his life.

Those left behind to manage things while Kyle is away on this final journey include his wife - Sheryl of 35 years, his mother - Alean of Pocatello, ID, his children - Joshua (Kari) Packer of Rose Hill, IL, Quinton Packer, and Kayla Packer (fiancé, Jordan Pellegrin) all of Effingham, IL. Also sending Kyle off for now are sisters - Ina VanBrunt of Hamilton, MO, and Deena (Ron) Roberts of Chubbuck, ID, his brother - Duane (Kelley) Packer of Pocatello, ID, and a sister-in-law Vandaira Packer of Glendale, AZ. Additional family by marriage includes parents - Don and Lavada Caylor, siblings Shelly Caylor, Sherry (Tim) Childress, and Jason (Paula) Caylor all of Mulberry Grove, IL. Kyle also leaves behind 22 nieces and nephews, 36 great nieces and nephews, and several great-great nieces and nephews. The plan is for each of these loved ones to join up with Kyle at a later date.

Among those who headed out on this final journey before Kyle are his father - Bill, sister - LaNel Bock, brother - Craig Packer, grandparents - Doyle & Velean (Ward) Bowden, and Lee and Ina (Mecham) Packer, and of course Kyle's greatest friend - Jesus, who has been with him through it all and made the whole expedition possible.

To celebrate Kyle’s life, the family will host a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024 at Cornerstone Christian Church in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday prior to the service at the church. Johnson Funeral Home will be assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Effingham TREC Trail or to the family. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.