Wilbert B. Palmer

“Another tired soldier went Home.”  Wilbert B. Palmer, 79, of Galesburg, died at 5:55 p.m. Sunday, March 27, 2016 in OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

He was born December 31, 1936 in Black Lick, Pennsylvania, the son of Wilbert and Rose Palmer.  He married Helga Bӧcker on November 2, 1957 in Ulm Germany.

He is survived by his ex-wife and caregiver, Helga Palmer (and Mike) Allen of Galesburg; two granddaughters, Elizabeth (and Kris) Palmer of Galesburg and Holly Curran of Flower Mound, Texas; three sisters, Peggy Palmer of Pennsylvania, Judy Palmer of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and Katherine (and Danny) Hall of Belleview, Florida; and one nephew, Raymond Palmer of Pennsylvania.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Robert M. Palmer on December 27, 2015.

Wilbert served in the United States Army for 20 years before retiring.  He served during the time of the Berlin Crisis.  He was also stationed in Korea and three tours in Vietnam.

Wilbert enjoyed woodworking and landscaping and was a gun enthusiast.

Graveside service will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2016 in the Abingdon Cemetery.  Rev. Jim Ecklund will officiate and military honors will be provided by the VFW 2257/Legion 285 Veterans Honor Guard.  There will be no visitation.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is handling arrangements for the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.