Walter Earl Palmer

Walt Palmer, 95, passed away peacefully at home in Avon, Indiana on March 20th, 2022.

Walt was born May 15th, 1926 to Earl Gaston Palmer and Lurline (Shepherd) Palmer. He enlisted as a teenager in the United States Air Force and proudly served during World War II. Walt returned to Indianapolis to marry Lora Arline (Newton) Palmer. He attended Indiana University and became the first in his immediate family to earn a Bachelor’s degree despite a ten year delay to start a family of five children with Lora. He was dedicated to supporting his family by working at Rock Island Refinery in northern Indianapolis for 41 years starting as a laborer and retiring as Safety Manager. He enjoyed being with family, gardening, beekeeping, fishing, traveling, reading and continuing to learn. Endowed with energy and curiosity, retirement led to new pursuits including endurance sports. From 1990-2002 Walt competed in triathlon and duathlon races at the local, regional, national, and international levels. He won 5 National Championships in his age groups and represented the United States in 21 International Championships winning four while traveling the world. In 2004 Walt married Nancy (Tomishima) Palmer.

He is survived by wife Nancy, children Wayne Palmer, Susan (Rodney Wood) Palmer, Eric (Marilea) Palmer, Warren (Rona Finman) Palmer, and Waiyde Palmer, stepchildren Russell Tomishima and Joy Braman, 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Walt is preceded in death by sisters Hazel Aldine (Palmer)Thomas and Eva Jean (Palmer) Christena, first wife Lora, and daughter-in-law Janice Kay (Butler) Palmer