Walter Palmer

Walter T. Palmer, age 85 of Alma passed away Friday, January 30, 2009 at his home with his family.

Funeral Services will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Alma on Tuesday February 3rd at 1:00 PM, Rev. Mary Delaney will officiate.

Visitation will be held on Monday February 2nd from 2-8 PM with the family present 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis Chapel.

Walter was born in Belfast, Ireland on June 22, 1923, the son of Thomas Lewis and Susan Hazel (Hazelton) Palmer.

Walter married Beatrice Sleaford on February 15, 1947 in Lansing, MI and resided most of his life in Alma. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WW II on the U.S.S. Enterprise and was involved in the Doolittle Raid. He received a Purple Heart and other medals. Mr. Palmer was the VP of Operations at Hoogerland's Sheltered Workshop in St. Louis for the disabled; he also was employed at Oldsmobile as an electrical engineer and was the past owner of Walt's Chick-n-Joy and Dawn's Donuts in Alma. Walter attended MIT, Alma College and graduated from Michigan State University. Walter was one of the very best storytellers and was blessed with a magical personality and all that met him loved him. He was lovingly known as the little leprechaun to many, Walter made others feel better and was a joy to be around and he was a child at heart and will be missed.
He would take each new grandchild and great-grandchild off alone to have a special talk & prayer. His brother, John was his hero and they had a special relationship. His garden and rose garden were his pride and joy and history was very important to him and he was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Alma.

Survivors include wife, Beatrice Palmer of Alma, daughter, Thyra Susan Palmer of Alma, son, Scott Alan & Mary Palmer of Charlotte, daughter, Erin Elizabeth & John Harrier of Alma, son, Timothy Lewis & Erin Palmer of Alma, and son, John William Palmer & Andy Peterson of Greenville, grandchildren, Eric Palmer & Paula Miller, Kirk and Nicole Palmer, Kraig and Christine Palmer, Kasey and Lisa Palmer, Donna and Randy Sullivan, Cory Graybiel, Michael and Nicholas Harrier, Laura Frayer, Jeremy Frayer & Thresa Porter; great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Morgan McBride, Jason and Erin Lambrix, Brandon and Cameron Palmer, Alexis McFerrin, Morgan and Mackenzie Palmer, Shayla, R.J. and Isabella Sullivan, Garett Stowe, Charlie Graybiel, Kylee Ann Binger, Khodi and Caitlyn Adamczak, Emma and Adein Palmer; sister, Susan Perreau of Eagle River, WI also numerous nieces & nephews who also held a very special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Thomas Palmer, 2 brothers, Bill and John Palmer also 2 sisters, Margaret Allen and Winifred Palmer.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online Condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis Chapel.


Read Walter Palmer's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.