George Truett Palmer, 89, was born February 13, 1930 and died January 27, 2020, in Grand Saline, Texas. He was born to William Homer Palmer and Anna Alva (Martin) Palmer at Rotan, Texas, in the Sardis community.
When his father died in September, 1947, George “Truett” at age 17, joined the Army and took his basic training at Ft. Ord, California. After basic training, he was sent to Korea in 1948. After 9 months in Korea, his 7th Infantry Division was moved to Hokkaido, Japan in early 1949. In November 1949, George returned to the U.S. and was honorably discharged from the Army. He returned to Fisher County, Texas until the Korean War started.
On February 14, 1951, he reenlisted in the Army. He was stationed at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, near Ft. Smith, Arkansas. While serving at Camp Chaffee, he met Barbara Erna Babitzke. George and Barbara were married on August 18, 1951. George was discharged from the Army in February 1954. George and Barbara returned to Fisher County, Texas with daughter, Marilyn, who was born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Their second daughter, Susan, was born in Rotan, Texas.
George was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone for 30 years. In 1968, the family transferred from Abilene, Texas to the Dallas area. George and Barbara lived in Mesquite, Texas from 1968 until 2007. They moved to their farm outside of Grand Saline in 2007. After George retired, he sold various items at the Canton First Monday Flea Market. He was a regular at his stall in Dog Town and made many friends at the Flea Market and all around East Texas. After 25 years, he retired from First Monday in 2018.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Alva Palmer, his brothers, Martin Palmer and Harvey Palmer, and his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara, who passed away on March 25, 2018.
He is survived by his daughters, Marilyn Palmer and Susan Palmer of Grand Saline, sisters-in-law: Jerelene Palmer of Roby, Texas, Edna Phillips of Van Buren, Arkansas, Margie Babitzke and Monte Babitzke of Ft. Smith, Arkansas and many nieces and nephews.
George was Lutheran by faith. His burial will be private at Haven of Memories Memorial Park, Canton, Texas.
Marilyn and Susan would like to thank Dr. Marc Usrey and the staff of Hope Cancer Center- Tyler and Caring Hearts Hospice for their excellent care and kindness. Most of all we would like to thank everyone at Azalea Trail Nursing Home in Grand Saline. Your loving care for Dad touched our hearts. We will be forever grateful for not only the excellent treatment and care but for the way you cared for our Dad as if he was your own father. Blessings to you all.
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