Earl Palmer

1931 - 2016

Earl Palmer, 85, of Lebanon, CT, peacefully slipped from this life in his sleep, October 8, 2016. He was born in Manchester, CT, June 2, 1931, the son of Clarence and Lois Palmer, of Andover, CT. Raised in Andover, Earl graduated from Windham High School before joining the Army National Guard, and was a veteran of the Korean War Era. Earl worked at Pratt & Whitney before owning a truck leasing company for many years. He was well respected, and loved by all for his quick wit and quiet, thoughtful nature. In addition to his parents, Earl was predeceased by his precious daughter, Rachel, his siblings, Sam, Leon, Audrey and Avis, and his granddaughter, Rebecca. Earl leaves behind his beloved wife of 67 years, Sarah, and five children: Earl L. Palmer (Pamela) of Naples, Fla., Kenneth Palmer (Billie) of Bloomfield, Conn., Daniel Palmer of Lebanon, Conn., Laurel Albair (Christopher) of Alton, NH and David Palmer of Lebanon, Conn. Also left behind to mourn his passing are three sisters: Louise Walton (Richard) of Andover, Conn., Lucille Munsell (Steven) of Coventry, Conn., and Alice Selbert, of Ohio; and two sisters-in-law, Florence Palmer of Andover and Dorcas Friedrich of Hebron. In addition, he leaves behind seven grandchildren: Karen Jordan (Jeremy), Sonya Fleming (Geoffrey), Sara Olson (Ryan), Christopher Palmer (Lillian), Stephen Palmer (Diana), John Palmer (Jamie) and Abigail Storiale (Michael). Earl is also survived by his blessed 10 great-grandchildren (Cara, Christopher, Kailey, Miranda, Kaisa, Amelia, Eva, William, Leeanne, and Leo), and numerous nieces and nephews. Our family lost its beloved patriarch, our "Papa," and would like to express deep gratitude to the staff at Harrington Court in Colchester for their loving attention to him in his final hours. Papa's favorite pastimes included spending time enjoying his family, fishing in Andover Lake, gardening, camping and regaling listeners with stories embellished by his famous sense of humor. Earl was a long time member of the Andover Congregational Church. There will be no calling hours. A private service and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Earl's memory, to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org For online condolences, or to share a memory of Earl with the family, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.