Neil B. Palmer

On Saturday, January 12, 2019 Neil B. Palmer, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 79. Neil was born on August 8, 1939 in Columbia City, Indiana and was living in Colorado at the time of his passing.

Neil served in the US Army for 22 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant in Ft. Huachuca, AZ. He joined the army when he was 24 years old and did basic training in Ft. Knox, Tennessee. Neil served short tours in Korea and did a secret tour in Honduras. For most of his career, he was a communications specialist with the 21st Signal Brigade. He also served three years as a Drill Sergeant in Ft. Gordon, GA and was known as Mad Dog Neil Palmer. Neil received many awards, medals, and honors during his career. He served with dignity, honor, and loyalty. After retiring from the military, Neil worked as Safety Engineer for California Steel Industries until officially retiring in 2004.

Neil enjoyed hunting, camping, hiking, and bowling. He was an avid fisherman and you would often find him fishing almost every weekend. He also enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Marcelle (Flandrois) Palmer; daughter, Christine Palmer; son, Neil Palmer; grandchildren, Garrett and Ebbie Sherwood, Monica Green, Brandy Hull, Corey Cremeens, Callie Braun, Blake and Danielle Palmer; great-grandchildren, Kohltin and Bailey Green, Carter, Remy, and Ruby Cremeens; brother, Stan (Sharon) Palmer; sisters, Karen Bowyer and Janice (Mark) Waterfall; and sister-in-law, Delores Palmer. Neil was preceded in death by his son, Dennis W. Palmer; parents, Adam L. Palmer and Opal (Burwell) Palmer; and brother, Lynn Palmer.

Visitation is 1-4 p.m. Sunday, January 20, 2019 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Fred Stayton of Columbia City United Methodist Church officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his brother at the South Whitley Cemetery military honors being rendered by the U.S. Army and the Whitley County Korean War Veteran's Honor Guard. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send his family online condolences.