Donald C. Palmer's Obituary
Donald Charles Palmer, age 86, received his glorious promotion to the kingdom of heaven on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Don was born on January 30, 1938, in Williamston, Michigan, to Duncan and Bernice (Andrews) Palmer. He earned his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s from Michigan State University. He started his career teaching and spent the majority of his professional life as a school administrator for students with emotional impairments.
On April 15, 1961, Don married Patricia Schade and together they built a family. He was an avid outdoors-man, enjoying hunting and fishing, especially with his sons and grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening and planted a huge garden every year. Don had a strong personal faith which he freely shared with others. He was a member of Covenant Life Church and formerly a member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church. He served in various roles at church, including youth group leader, Sunday school teacher, financial counselor, and governing elder.
He cherished relationships, especially those with family. His grandchildren have fond memories of the two weeks each summer when he and Pat would hold Camp Palmer, and where he loved making his famous blueberry pancakes. Don is survived by his four children, Daniel (Jeanette) Palmer, Dale (Sonia Britton) Palmer, Marlies Sherwood, Charles (Melissa) Palmer, nine grandchildren, Emily Palmer, Dean Palmer, Samuel (Katie) Palmer, Tori Gordon, Miranda (Jeffrey) Hoopingarner, Bradley Sherwood, Aidan (Mica) Palmer, Arielle Palmer and Elora Palmer, great-grandchildren, Chloe Cobb, Gabby Brown, Mackenzie Palmer and Elenore Palmer, brother, Jack (Cloe) Palmer, step-sister, Marilyn (Jack) Arnett-Pearce, and sister-in-law, Diane (Camp) Millspaugh. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Palmer, son-in-law, Brian Sherwood, step-sisters, Judy Towel and Priscilla Dalton and brothers-in-law, John Schade, Philip Schade, and Thomas Schade. VISITATION will be from 5-7 PM Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. FUNERAL SERVICE will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Covenant Life Church (101 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417) with Pastor Marshall Holtvluwer officiating. A private graveside ceremony will be held at Lakeside Cemetery. MEMORIALS in memory of Don may be directed to the Harbor Hospice Foundation. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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