Submitted by: Dan Rich
Kent R. Palmer
December 5th was a very sad day in the lives
of the Kent R. Palmer family. “Our Dad,” our
very special dad, passed away while wintering in Fort Myers,
Florida. Kent was born on July 22, 1939, in South Bend, to the
late Robert J. and Elayne (Heintzelman) Palmer. Kent was
the founder of the Palmer Funeral Homes. In 1962 he and his wife,
Dolores, started in business. He had foresight, energy and a
compassion for people.
Kent entered his business life by starting the Palmer Funeral
Home in North Liberty. He then continued by purchasing the
Nusbaum Funeral Home in Walkerton, Orvis Funeral Home and Hollis
Funeral Home, both in South Bend, and Harden Funeral Home in
Lakeville. He ran his business for 35 years and never tired of
serving families. His two sons are proud to carry on his legacy.
Words cannot convey how very proud he was of their
accomplishments. He was also very proud of his two daughters for
their work ethics and how they led their lives.
Kent and Dolores I. Ross were married on June 30, 1962, in
Lakeville United Methodist Church. Dolores lost her wonderful
husband and very best friend. They were blessed with four
wonderful children of whom they are very proud. Kent R. “K.R.”
and Elizabeth Palmer of South Bend, Kristi R. and Marty Manuel
of Lakeville, Kim R. and Craig Ochs of North Liberty, and
Kerry R. and Lori Palmer of North Liberty. Paw Paw Kent loved his
10 grandchildren with all of his heart. Christian, Graham and
Meredith Palmer, Leigha and Landon Manuel, Cayla and Carah Ochs,
and Isaac, Lucas and Simon Palmer will surely have a void in
their lives.
Our dad had many attributes, but his most prominent were his
continuous generosity and his loving way with our family. He was
a graduate of Lakeville High School and Indiana College of
Mortuary Science. He was a member of the Lakeville United
Methodist Church, North Liberty Masonic Lodge #266, F&AM,
North Liberty Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 290 where he
served as Past Patron, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of
South Bend, and Orak Temple of Michigan City. He was also a
member of the Benevolent Order of the Elks, South Bend, and was a
former member of the Potawatomi Kiwanis Club, Mercator Club, and
North Liberty Lions Club. Kent loved playing golf and was a
member of the San Carlos Golf Club of Fort Myers and 4-Lakes
Country Club in Edwardsburg, MI, where he was a member of the
board.
Although Kent was afflicted with coronary artery disease for 30
years, he lived life to the fullest with never a complaint. His
family knew of his illness and it allowed them to live every day
with him as a gift. Kent is also survived by his sister, Gailann
and Robert Vaszari, four nieces and two nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December
11, 2006, in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S.
Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Ed Erskin, his friend of 50
years, will conduct his services as was Kent's wish. Graveside
services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South
Bend. Friends may pay their respects from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday,
December 10th, and one hour prior to services Monday in the
funeral home. Contributions in memory of Kent R. Palmer may be
made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Payshere Circle,
Chicago, IL 60674; or to Riley Children's Hospital, 50 S.
Meridian Street, Suite 500, Indianapolis, IN 46204.