Marvin L. Palmer

Marvin L. Palmer, 81, of Marion, Iowa, died at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at Village Ridge Memory Care, Marion, Iowa. 

He was born July 30, 1934 in Galesburg, Illinois to Cecil N. and Verna A. Johnson Palmer.  He married Jean Ingelson May 3, 1958 in Galesburg.  She survives. 

Also surviving are three sons, John (and Susan) Palmer of Gilson, Illinois, Robert (and Vicki) Palmer of Galesburg, and James (and Marcy) Palmer of Old Monroe, Missouri; a daughter, Sharon (and David) Mullin of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a brother, Carl “Pee Wee” (and Vivian) Palmer of Knoxville, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Kathy Palmer of Yuma, Arizona; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harlan Palmer. 

Marvin graduated from Williamsfield High School, Williamsfield, Illinois, in 1952.  He was in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1968, serving during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. As a Captain and helicopter pilot, he was stationed in Minot, North Dakota, Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  He later became a Major in the National Guard and Reserves.  Marvin and his brother, Harlan, owned and operated Knoxville Plumbing and Heating from 1975 to 1979.  He then worked as a pipefitter for the Local #25 Plumbers and Pipefitters. 

Graveside service will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday April 12, 2016 at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg with military rites by the V.F.W 2257/Legion 285 Veterans Honor Guard.  Rev. James Ecklund will officiate.  Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of Mercy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.