John "Papa" Palmer, Jr.,85, of 50 Lambs Grove, died Wednesday, April 30 at his home after an illness.
He leaves his wife of 59 years Doris M. (Lagerstrom) Palmer, a son Jeffrey J. Palmer, Jr. and his wife Brenda of N.Brookfield, a daughter Dawn Palmer Mathews of Worcester, a brother William Palmer and his wife Eleanor of W.Hyannis Port, two sisters Esther Tabor of Shrewsbury, and Beverly Josephson in Calif., three grandchildren Brenden, David and Olivia Palmer and a great grand daughter Stephanie Palmer, nieces and nephews.
Mr. Palmer was a shift supervisor at Warner & Swazey Machine in Worcester before retiring in 1976, previously he worked at Norton Co. for many years. After his retirement, he was a self employed carpenter, doing many jobs for friends, neighbors and family.
He was born in Worcester, the son of John and Esther (Anderson) Palmer, Sr. He graduated from Commerce High, and attended the Univ. of Ill. He was a 32nd. Degree Mason and a member of the Morning Star Lodge, AF & AM in Worcester. An army veteran of WWII he served in the European theater. he was a member of the Vernon hill American legion post and Epworth United Methodist Church.
He enjoyed gardening, fishing with his grandchildren, was an avid card player and enjoyed his winters in Ft. Myers Beach, Fl.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, May 4 at 3p.m. in the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer. Calling hours are Sunday from 1 to 3p.m. prior to the service.Burial with Military Honors will be at a later date in All Faith Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to V.N.A. Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, 01608.