Larry Palmer

1937 - 2017

Larry Palmer
August 4, 1937 - Jan. 2, 2017
Apple Valley, CA
Larry Norman Palmer was born in Killdeer N. Dakota. He lived his life magnificently and died gently at home in Apple Valley, Ca. on Mon. Jan. 2nd, 2017.
Because of the nature of his father's work, Larry grew up moving from place to place. When he graduated from high school he joined the Navy. He was stationed in Alaska and Hawaii before they were states. Shortly after his discharge he met his wife, Patricia, and they were married in the spring of 1959.
Larry worked 5 years at Ampex in Redwood City building tape recorders and 5 years at Shell Oil Co. first as a driver and then as a dispatcher.
When plans for a station in Scotts Valley came across his desk he leapt at the opportunity to get that station and move his family there. He employed many young people from the community and developed a reputation as an honest and capable businessman.
For the next 37 years Larry operated Larry's Shell at the corner of Mt. Hermon Rd. and Scotts Valley Drive, first as a repair shop and then as a convenience store/car wash.
Outside of work he coached Little League and later girls' softball. He was a good coach. He was for a time a member of the Scotts Valley Lions Club and a member of the Scotts Valley Fire District Board.
Larry always put family first, though, and most valued his time with Pat and the kids and later the kids' families.
Whether skiing in the Sierras, snorkeling in Maui, or traveling across the country exploring new territory, Larry was happiest when sharing those adventures with his beloved family.
Those of us who were so fortunate as to know him will always remember him for his integrity, his quick wit, and his loving and generous heart.
Larry is survived by his wife, Patricia: sons Ken (wife Holly), Randy (wife Jill), daughters Kathy Bowen and Cindy Pressley, and grandchildren Kyle Palmer, Samantha Palmer, Carly Palmer, Zachary Pressley, Joshua Palmer, Heather Pressley, Jack Palmer, Samuel Bowen, Jessica Palmer, and Joseph Bowen; his sister, Allyne Rizor (husband Arnold), and brother Daniel Palmer, all of whom he loved unconditionally.
Larry also knew and loved all of Pat's family too numerous to name here, and the feeling was mutual.
Larry is preceded in death by his mom and dad, Blanche and Wayne Palmer.
There will be a small family service in the spring.


View the online memorial for Larry  Palmer