Donald E. Palmer

Donald E. Palmer, 92, of Springfield, died at 3:50 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. Don was born on November 30, 1923 in Springfield, the son of Howard Oren and Pella Mae Swift Palmer. He married Corrine Mae Griffith on August 26, 1950 in Springfield. She preceded him in death on October 7, 2013. Don graduated from Springfield High School in 1941. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, and his service for his country was very important to him. He later went on to work as a time management specialist for Sangamo Electric, as well as Cutler Hammer. He was a member of the VFW Post #755 and the Independent Order of Foresters. He loved traveling, wood working, golfing, the Chicago Cubs, and being with his family. He was one of the first groups of Veterans to take the Honor Flight, and was well known for his letters to the editor in the SJ-R. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his son, Lynn Owen Palmer; and his brothers, Bernard, Stanley, and Robert. He is survived by his son, Gary A. (wife, Connie) of Springfield; daughter, Karen A. (husband, Allen) Henson of Mahomet; two nieces, Judy Groskin and Patricia White; one nephew, Craig Palmer; six grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 12:00-12:45 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, 2016 following the visitation with Rev. Vaughn Beeman officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: VFW Post 755, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield, IL 62704 or Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703.