He was born Aug. 7, 1955, in Benton Harbor, Mich., to Alonzo and Fannie (Clifft) Palmer.

He is survived by two brothers, Ron (Ramona) Palmer of Bristol and Jerry Palmer of Nashville, Tenn.; three sisters, Carol Palmer and Connie (Michael) Miston, both of Stevensville, Mich., and Margaret (Tom) Mortensen of Adams, Wis.; and his mother, Fannie of Stevensville.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Peggy Bishop.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. A military graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Mich. The Rev. Keith McFarren of Faith United Methodist Church will officate.

Mr. Palmer formerly was employed at Skyline and other mobile home manufacturers. He was member of the Bristol American Legion and served 15 years in the U.S. Navy before being discharged with a physical disability. He was a petty officer 2nd class at the time of his discharge.

Mr. Palmer earned a Letter of Commendation from the Commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet for Meritorious Achievement in Aviation Safety and also received a Good Conduct Award. He qualified as an ordnanceman, aircraft engine cockpit observer, nuclear weapons leader, aircraft mover, NAMP work center manager, power unit operator and wing walker/brake rider.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.