Darrell E. Palmer, 79, Rapid City, SD, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Rapid City Regional Hospital on the evening of Wednesday, February 3, 2010.
Darrell was born on January 9, 1931, near Menno, SD. However, he spent most of his childhood on a farm outside of Aberdeen, SD. He graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1949. He married his first wife, Mary Lou Benson, in 1950. They were married for 28 years until Mary Lou’s death in 1978.
Darrell served in the military, mostly in Korea, from 1952 until 1954 as a combat radio operator in the KMAG Special Forces unit. He received many decorations including four bronze stars.
After leaving the military, Darrell worked as a crane operator and other construction jobs until starting employment in 1955 at Servall Towel & Linen Supply. Darrell worked for Servall for the rest of his professional career (38 years) including 36 years a manager. Darrell was a highly admired and respected businessman, known affectionately by the nickname of “Whitey.”
Darrell is survived by a loving and extended family: his wife of 29 years, Marcy; his son, Nick Palmer, and daughter-in-law, Joy; daughter, Kathy Tippman, and son-in-law, Pat; five step children, Sandy (Dwayne) Mann, Karen Glayzer, Pam Coyle, Steve (Angie) Coyle, Robert Clinton (Shelia) Coyle; twenty-three grandchildren; and twenty-three great grandchildren. He also leaves one sister, Gladys Jones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reece and Martha; wife, Mary Lou; and sister, Inez.
A memorial has been established to the John T. Vucurevich Cancer Institute.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 8, 2010, at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Rapid City with Rev. Doug Diehl officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Lawn Memorial Park in Rapid City with TREA providing military honors.
Family and friends may sign Darrell’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.