William King "Elbo" Palmer

William "Elbo"

King Palmer William " Elbo" King Palmer, 82, of McDowell, Virginia, died on Saturday, October 16, 2010, at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

He was born on December 18, 1927, in Brunswick, Maryland, a son of the late Vincent Palmer and Mary King Palmer.

He was a long time resident of Middletown Valley in Frederick County, Maryland.

Mr. Palmer was a World War II veteran having served in the United States Navy. He retired as a Yard Master and Train Master after completing 44 years of service with the B & O Railroad. He loved to travel out west with his wife, and loved working in his woodshop making furniture and crafts. He was a member of Hiner Church of the Brethren at McDowell, Virginia, where he was a member of the Helping Hands Group at the church.

He was preceded in death by a brother, James V. Palmer.

Survivors include his wife of a 63 year marriage, Martha Palmer; two daughters, Sherry Bunyard and her husband, Jim, of Waynesboro, Marsha Ward and her husband, Carl of Page, Arizona; a son, Earl Palmer and his significant other, Kim Moretz, of Hedgesville, West Virginia; two brothers, Charles Rau of Durham, North Carolina, Robert Rau of Corpus Christi, Texas; and a great companion, Bob Baucom of Durham, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Robin Vance of Hagerstown, Maryland, Cindy Thomas of Mineral Wells, Texas, Gene Lakin of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, Patty Black of Waynesboro, Sean Palmer of Park City, Utah, Christian Palmer of Hagerstown, Maryland, Brendan Palmer of Hagerstown, Maryland; four great-grandchildren, Sam and Nick Vance and Xavier and Isaiah Black; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be conducted 12 p.m. Friday, October 22, 2010, at the Hiner Church of the Brethren in McDowell.

At Elbo's request, his ashes will be spread at Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado, a spot he dearly loved.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hiner Church of the Brethren, 85 Hiner Church Road, McDowell, VA 24458.

Family and friends may sign the guest register at www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com

McDow Funeral Home is handling arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.