Dale W. Palmer

PALMER, Dale W. - Age 73, of Swartz Creek, died Monday, January 10, 2005 at Brian's House, Davison, after a 17 year struggle with emphysema. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, January 13, 2005 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, with Pastor Steve Maske officiating. Military honors will follow services under the auspices of Swartz Creek VFW Post #3720. Visitation will be held 2-8 PM Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Flint, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Association or the charity of one's choice. Dale was born May 25, 1931 in Byron, the son of Earl W. and Beatrice R. (Reynolds) Palmer. He was a 1951 graduate of Flint Central High School and attended Flint Junior College. He was married to Patricia A. Clevenger on October 18, 1952. Dale served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1951-1954, then served on active reserve until 1959. Mr. Palmer was employed by Beech-Nut/Life Savers/Nabisco/Kraft for 31 years, retiring in 1987. Following retirement, he spent winters in Ft. Myers, FL. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a past member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Flint, where he served for many years on the Board of Trustees and as an usher. Other memberships include, American Legion Post #294 in Swartz Creek, Flint Council #29 United Commercial Travelers of America, serving as a local and state officer. Dale enjoyed golf, woodworking, fishing, gardening and being with his great nephews. Surviving are: wife, Patricia A. Palmer; niece, Mary Ann Walker and husband Robert of Swartz Creek; nephew, David W. Palmer and wife Joanne of Grand Blanc; great-nephews, Kyle W. Niemi, Brian D. Niemi, Donald W. Palmer, Christopher D. Palmer; special cousins, Betty Sargent, Nancy Jackson, Sally Fisher, Judy Snook; mother-in-law, Freda E. Clevenger of Swartz Creek. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl W. Palmer on October 9, 1981; brother, Donald D. Palmer on April 10, 1984; mother, Beatrice R. Palmer on December 28, 1996; sister-in-law, Jean Palmer Brant on May 27, 1999.