Charles L. Palmer

PALMER , Charles L. On Saturday, June 11, 2011, CHARLES LESLIE PALMER, 77, of Laurel, DE passed through the Pearly Gates at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born at home in Laurel on January 29, 1934, he was the son of the late Andrew and Elsie Whaley Palmer. Charles was a well-known Delaware artist, painter and photographer. Under his leadership, the Rehoboth Art League was named "the most vigorous arts organization in Delaware" by Delaware Today magazine. He was an honor graduate of the Maryland Institute, College of Art and received numerous awards and citations for his work. He was a photojournalist in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the first nuclear submarine, the Nautilus, as well as on staff as Chief of Navy Information at the Pentagon. Charles and his wife Betty raised their family in Baltimore where Charles worked for the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore County Library and various galleries. Creating and sharing his art were an essential part of his life. Charles was a voracious reader who was knowledgeable on a wide variety of subjects. He had a passion for collecting art, antiques and oddities which provided great joy, amusement and inspiration throughout his lifetime. He will be remembered and missed for his wit, creativity and generosity. His ability to transform the everyday into the extraordinary was appreciated by those lucky enough to know him. Charles, a loving family man, is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Elizabeth "Betty" Carvel, five children: Lisa Palmer (Ray Book), Drew Palmer (Dawn), Daphne Soroka (Paul) of Baltimore, MD, Brooke Palmer (Matt Andersen), of La Jolla, CA, Dylan Palmer of Millville, DE and sisters Lenore Hoffman of Wilmington, DE and Karen Anderson of Warsaw, IN. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Heather Currey, Leslie Pryor, Katelyn Palmer, Phoebe and Desmond Soroka, Lucy Bull and a great-grandchild, Olivia Currey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Ann Palmer.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 24, 2011 at 11 AM at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 9th Street Laurel, DE 19956. Pastor Ken Deusa will officiate. Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to celebrate the artist's life at the Georgia House in Laurel. Online condolences may be sent to the Palmer family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com.