Daryl Palmer

Daryl was born January 8, 1943 in Riceville, IA. He died peacefully in his home November 27, 2024 at the age of 81. He grew up in Decorah, Iowa. After his high school graduation, he entered the Army January 1965 where he specialized in welding and as a machinist. He was honorably discharged January 1968 from Fort Lewis Army base in Washington state. It’s there where he met Dorothy and fell in love. Dorothy’s brothers would bring their army buddies to Ma & Pa’s place on weekends where any and all were welcomed.

Daryl & Dorothy were married June 25, 1966 and lived in East Olympia for 58 years. They had two children, Tonya and Daryl.

Daryl worked as a welder, mechanic, various jobs in the Boilermakers and Carpenters Unions, volunteer firefighter and fire truck mechanic, EMT and East Olympia Fire Chief.

He was on the Tumwater School Board, Community water system board and the “go to guy” for whatever anybody needed.

His hobbies were racing jalopy cars as a driver and mechanic. He was inducted into the Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame. He loved farming as a child and working on Ray Parker’s farm repairing tractors, haying, cultivating and corn picker. He served as a mentor for family and friends.

He loved road trips to Alaska, California, Canada and Iowa. He and his wife went on 3 cruises with family and met lifelong friends.

He was always up to playing cards, family gatherings and Friday night restaurant dinners.

His best friend was Glenn Walker who was with him to the end.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Dorothy, their children, Tonya (fiancé Oscar) and Daryl (Holly), 5 siblings, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and 3 siblings.

His funeral will be at the Mills & Mills Funeral Home off Littlerock Rd in Tumwater, Saturday, December 14th at 11:00 am with a reception brunch to follow at the East Olympia Fire Station 61.