Edwin D. Palmer

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T.C. Williams High School University of Pennsylvania

Edwin Palmer Obituary

EDWIN DAVID PALMER (Age 98)
A long-time resident of Alexandria, VA died of natural causes at Inova Alexandria Hospital on Tuesday, October 4, 2011. Born July 17, 1913 in South Philadelphia, PA, he spent his childhood at his local library and dreamed of traveling the world. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Chemistry in 1939, he enlisted in the Army in 1940. In 1941, he met his future wife in Washington. He and Anita Grage wed in 1942, and were married for 50 years. Mr. Palmer left the Army in 1945 only to realize that he had more opportunities in the Army so he re-enlisted in 1946. He and the family were sent to Berlin, Germany in 1947, where he played an integral role in the Berlin Airlift as a Warrant Officer in the Office of Special Investigations (OSI). In 1965, after 24 years of service in the Air Force, he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer. In the fall of 1965, he began teaching chemistry at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA, retiring in 1975. Following his wife's death in 1993, he started researching his family's genealogy and became a genealogical aide at the National Archives in Washington. Mr. Palmer was a proud American, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many and will be missed. He is survived by his three daughters, Susan Palmer (John Tedesco) of Alexandria, VA, Anita "Judy" Wancik (Steve) of Hickory, NC and Jeanne Meronek (Ken) of Benbrook, TX; four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.Services will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, VA. Interment to follow with Full Military Honors at Arlington, National Cemetery.Donations may be made in his name to thePartners Achieving Literacy Program, Therapy Partners, Inc., 1015 A Cleaner Way, Huntsville, Alabama 35805. www.therapypartners.org www.everlyfuneralhomes.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Palmer

9 Entries

Teresa Roberts Moore

February 5, 2012

My deepest condolences to Mr. Palmer's family and friends. He was one of the finest men I had ever known.

Linda Shepherd-Nelson

January 18, 2012

Mr. Palmer made my chemistry class one of the most interesting classes I took back in High School. He with his dry humor, knowledge of the subject matter and willingness to help scared little 10th grader got me through chemistry and placed a soft spot in my heart for Mr. Palmer, for this, I say, thank-you Mr. Palmer! "Graduating class of 71."

January 16, 2012

Mr. Palmer was an outstanding chemistry teacher who had a wonderful relationship with the students. He was a stabilizing force during our great transition in 1971. He lived a long and productive life that touch so many people. Sorry for your loss. Arnold Oates (Principal, TCW 1970-73)

Burton Bruce P.E.

January 16, 2012

Where do I begin about Mr. Palmer. He was great influence in my decision to pursue a career in the sciences. His gentle good humor was contagious. I always looked forward to chemistry class. He was a good friend to my father (Col. Bruce, Math) and blessed us with his presence at my fathers memorial service in 1998. His legacy will go on for generations. I have told all my friends and associates over the past 40 years about the wonderful chemistry Professor I had in High School.

Mary Dashiell Gregory

January 15, 2012

Mr. Palmer made high school chemistry friendly. His gentle patience yet expert demeanor stands strong.He was a gentleman. May your family be comforted in knowing how many former students remember him fondly after 40 some odd years.

Marilyn Buckner Martin

January 15, 2012

Matt put it so eloquently and I feel so much the same way. I was one of Mr. Palmers chemistry students. I remember sitting right up in the front row of his class pretending to be so interested in chemistry. I probably somehow managed a "C" but he still treated everyone with so much dignity. I came to him and asked for a recommendation for college and he said "I can get you into MIT if you want." He knew he was not always teaching geniueses but he loved what he did and was always smiling. He must have been the best dad and grandad. I am so sorry for your loss. I was asking around a couple of years ago if anyone knew where he was because I wanted to write him a letter and tell him what he had meant to me so I am so glad at least I have the opportunity to tell his family and the world. Mr. Palmer I have thought about you over the years and may you rest in peace. What a wonderful example of a human being you were!

Deborah Elliott

January 15, 2012

Sorry for your loss. He will be truly missed.

Deborah Elliott
Class of '73

Matt Mitler

January 15, 2012

Mr. Palmer was one of my favorite teachers. Not just in High School, but of all time. I remember him to this day with his glorious tie-dyed lab coat, always kind, always generous, no matter how miserable a student you were (and I was). If he felt you weren't paying attention during one of his lectures, he'd segue, without missing a beat, to something absurd such as, "... and then I scaled the Himalayas..." I was sorry to read of his passing, and of how much more there was to his remarkable life that I never even knew, but happy to have so many wonderful memories rekindled.

TC Williams Class of '73

The T.C. Williams Class of 1973

January 15, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers!

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