Packard’s Guardians: The Legacy of Gene Ledbetter
A Jolly Craftsman with a Passion for Preservation
Every historic site has its unsung heroes—the people who quietly give of themselves, not for recognition, but because they care. For the Packard Proving Grounds, one such person was Gene Ledbetter.
Gene passed away on December 22, 2015, at the age of 73. Well-liked and deeply respected throughout the Packard community, Gene was known for his skill, generosity, and warmth. A lifelong craftsman with an eye for restoration, Gene owned Orchard Auto Restoration in Redford, Michigan, earning him the admiration of many. People from all over entrusted their vintage automobiles to him, not only because of his talent, but because of the kind-hearted, jolly man behind the tools.
You can take a look at Gene’s 1938 Packard Model 1605 Convertible Sedan here.
The Glazing Project That Brought Light Back In
Before his restoration work, Gene owned a glass installation company—a trade that would one day shape one of his lasting contributions to the Packard Proving Grounds. Seeing the state of the historic airplane hangar, Gene recognized an opportunity. He reached out to the glazers union and proposed using the hangar as a training site. The idea took hold.
In a hands-on learning session, every window in the hangar was reglazed—restoring not only glass, but a piece of the site’s original integrity. The “glazing” project remains one of the most quietly transformative acts of preservation in the site’s recent history.
A Sign of Remembrance and Community Spirit
When Gene passed, his family and friends wanted to do something meaningful in his honor. At the time, longtime site volunteer Bruce Blevins had been exploring the idea of replacing the manual sign at the main entrance with a digital display. Changing out the sign by hand was cumbersome, and with so many events and updates to share with the public, it was clear the site needed a more flexible, visible tool for communication.
With funding limited, Bruce approached Gene’s wife, Judy, about the idea of making a contribution in Gene’s memory. She agreed. What followed was a grassroots fundraising campaign, powered by love, respect, and community support.
A Legacy That Lights the Way Forward
Today, the electronic sign at the front entrance does far more than share event dates—it serves as a living memorial. It’s a beacon that keeps the community informed and connected, a reminder that generosity leaves a legacy long after the work is done.
While no current projects specifically bear Gene’s name, his presence is still felt in every window that lets the light in, in every car that finds new life, and in every visitor who passes the sign bearing silent witness to one man’s lasting impact.
Your Stories Keep His Memory Alive
If you have a memory or story about Gene Ledbetter you’d like to share, we’d love to hear it. His legacy lives on not just in the buildings and the signs—but in the stories we pass on.
