We regret to record the death, which took place on Wednesday morning, of Mr. William Packwood, who for the long period of 45 years was the parish clerk of Rushden. The deceased, who was 62 years of age, had been in failing health for the last seven or eight years, following an attack of influenza, from which he never really recovered. On Monday, December 2nd, he was removed to the Northampton General Hospital, suffering from diabetes, with complications. On Saturday last a change for the worse manifested itself, and the end came on Wednesday morning at about 9.15. He leaves a widow, a son (Mr. Alfred Packwood), and a daughter (Mrs. A. Ward, of Ashford, Kent), who were in constant attendance upon him to the end. Five sisters survive him.

Many years ago he was a postman in Rushden, and for some time he was the schoolmaster at Irchester. He also held the offices of sanitary inspector and school attendance officer for this district for a long period.

Another appointment he held for many years was that of secretary of the Rushden Friendly Society. This post he filled up to the time of his death. The last club night was December 3rd, and this was the first meeting from which he had been absent for many years. He was also secretary of Dr. Owen’s medical club.

In connection with his duties as parish clerk he was never absent from a service at the parish church unless under very exceptional circumstances, and he had sat in the choir ever since he was six years of age. He carried on the business of carting contractor for some years, a business which was, a couple of years ago, taken over by his son. He also had, until recently, a grocery and provision shop in Park-road, where lived for 30 years. At one time his father was the only chemist in Rushden, keeping a shop on the site now occupied by Mr. Ward’s provision shop, where Mr. Packwood was born.
[Note: he was son of George & Elizabeth Packwood]

The deceased was a member of the “Morning Star” (Rushden) Tent of the Independent Order of Rechabites and he was also a member of the Wellingborough Lodge of Freemasons. He was a great lover of music, and in former times he was prominent in the musical circles of Rushden. A man of sterling character, his death will be deeply deplored.

The funeral takes place on Saturday afternoon.