FRANCIS LEROY PALMER

ATALISSA, Iowa – Francis Leroy Palmer, 80, of Atalissa IA, passed away on Wednesday June 19, 2024, at Lutheran Living in Muscatine, IA.

Casual visitation will be held at the graveside 10:30 A.M. Saturday July 6, 2024, at the Fulton Cemetery located at 7990 R Ave, Morning Sun, IA. Graveside services with military honors will begin at 11:00 A.M. Luncheon will follow 12:00 P.M. at the Winfield VFW Hall / Veterans Building located at 116 N. Locust St., Winfield, IA. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home of Muscatine is caring for and assisting with the cremation and graveside services.

He was born Sunday February 6, 1944, in Lone Tree, IA, the son of Edward and Margaret (Evans) Palmer. He was the third of fifteen siblings. Francis served in the United States Army (1961 to 1964) during the Vietnam Conflict; stationed in Korea. On September 5, 1965, he was united in marriage to Linda Yerington for 29 years. On August 6, 2001, he was united in marriage to Connie (Steward) Joy. Francis worked for the City of Muscatine as a mechanic, retired in April of 2001.

Francis enjoyed spending time with the Cedar River Gang, hanging out in his garage and making appearances at the George & Anna Vaughn Garage sometimes to sing a few songs with the band. Earlier in his years, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing cards, wood working, working on vehicles, and spending time with his close buddy Dick Neipert of West Liberty, IA.

He is survived by his wife Connie of Atalissa, son Brian Palmer of Muscatine, grandchildren: Danielle (Conan) Henderson of Cedar Rapids, Zachary Palmer of Muscatine and Cole Palmer of Solon. Great granddaughter Lorelei. Siblings Maynard (Dixie) Palmer of Morning Sun, Gary Palmer of Afton, Loretta (Eugene) Andrew of Burlington, Nita (Jim) Carlson of New Port Richie, FL, Jean (Joe) Johnson of Washington, Nadine (Tony Olson) Walker of Wapello, Bob (Redna) of Muscatine and Karl Palmer of Rogersville, TN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Stephanie Palmer; and siblings, Faylon Palmer, Gladys Beenblossom, Dewayne Palmer, Harlon Palmer, Clair Palmer, and Dale Steward.