The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Don H. Palmer passed away Saturday, February 20, 2016, at his home.

He was born August 14, 1934, in Alton, Utah to Jesse Milo Palmer, Jr. and Ella Heaton Palmer. He was the youngest of eight children. He grew up in Alton and graduated from Orderville High School.

Don attended Utah State University for three years and then served in the army for two years. He was stationed in Fort Ord, Colorado. He then returned to USU for his senior year, graduating with a BS in Agricultural Education. It was at the start of that senior year that he met the love of his life, Elaine Law. They were married on January 31, 1958, in the Logan LDS Temple. 

Don and Elaine lived in Wyoming, Indiana, Utah and Washington as they raised their family of two sons and two daughters. Most of his career was spent as a land manager for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in Dayton, Washington, where they lived for 40 years. He retired in 1999.

Don was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities, including home teacher, branch president, scoutmaster, elders quorum president, Sunday School teacher among many others. He and Elaine served as workers in the Columbia River Temple for nearly fourteen years. They also served a temple mission in the London England Temple.

Don loved the outdoors - hiking and camping were favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed photography and often combined the two activities. He created personalized walking sticks for many family members and friends.

Don and Elaine moved to Roy, Utah, two years ago to be closer to family. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don especially enjoyed the great-grandchildren. They brought him great joy and happiness.

Don is survived by his wife, Elaine, their children, Diane (John) Pilmer, Brian (Annette), Winella (Bienvenido E.) Pelaez, Vernon (Josephine); 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Orval (Gerta). 

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters, and a great-granddaughter, Claire Woods. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2016, at the Midland 2nd Ward Chapel, 3776 West 5375 South, Roy, Utah, 84067. The family will meet with friends on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South and on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. 

Interment, Avon Utah Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.lindquistmortuary.com.