Dan Mathew Palmer

Dan Mathew Palmer, son of Elmer Smith and Violetter Elizabeth Paskins Palmer, passed away at his home in Pocatello Idaho on Saturday, February 3rd, 2018, at the age of 76. He was born in his family's farmhouse in Preston, Idaho early on the morning of November 15, 1941. He arrived without the help of a doctor or even a midwife as his grandma Palmer did not make it in time to help with the delivery. But when she came, she picked him up and said, "Well hello there, Dan." The name stuck. He was the fifth of six children. One sister, Pauline, and four brothers, LaVar, Hal, John and Joel. Dan's early years were spent working on the family dairy farm. He said he still sometimes dreamed he was herding or milking cows, pulling weeds from the field, changing irrigation water, etc. He always loved to play ball, any kind of ball, and grew up playing with friends at the old Central school in Preston, and later played football and wrestled for Preston High School until he graduated in 1960. During the summer between his junior and senior year, Dan joined the National Guard and was trained as a tank gunner and driver. He served there for several years, but took a break during that time and served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central Atlantic States Mission. Dan attended Idaho State University and during that time also began dating Carolyn Craner, also from Preston. They were married on July 2, 1965 in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. They had nine children: Jennifer, Amy, Jeffrey, Kristin, Mathew, Travis, Katie, Amanda and Shawn. He was proud of all of his kids. Dan and Carolyn made their home in Pocatello for nine years during which time Dan graduated from ISU and began a career of teaching Geography and History, and coaching and refereeing football, wrestling, and track for Hawthorne Jr. High. He taught there for 32 years and built many fond relationships with his students and co- workers. In the summers he worked for the State Highway Department to supplement their income. In 1975, Dan and Carolyn moved to a home in the beautiful mountains of Inkom Idaho, where they loved and were loved by a community of wonderful people. In 2002, Dan and Carolyn divorced, and Dan moved to Pocatello and began working at Wal Mart. It was there that he met his sweetheart, Lila Chandler Palmer. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on April 10, 2010. She brought light and joy to his life and they had nearly eight happy years together. Lila appreciated how kind and respectful he was to her and to everyone. Dan loved sports, poetry, reading (especially Louis La'mour and Patrick Mcmanis stories) taking scenic drives, home cooking and bottling, singing in a choir and beautiful music in general. He loved to tell a good story, though his laughing often got in the way of his ability to finish it. Between the two of them, Dan and Lila boast 15 children, all their spouses, 69 grandchildren, and almost 17 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his dear wife Lila; sister, Pauline Lindhart; brothers, John Palmer and Joel Palmer; and children, Jennifer Larson, Amy Pedersen, Jeff Palmer, Kristin Klingler, Mat Palmer, Travis Palmer, Katie Fryar, Mandy Dalling, and Shawn Palmer. Step-children, Char Baker, Rowdy Chandler, Sarah Young, Bart Chandler, and Chelsea Cain. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Smith Palmer and Violetter Elizabeth Paskins Palmer; and brothers, Elmer LaVar Palmer and William Hal Palmer. Viewings will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2018 from 6- 8 pm at the LDS Chapel, 550 W. Cedar St., Pocatello and from 10-11 am on Friday, February 9, 2018 with funeral services following starting at 11 am. Burial will be in the Preston Cemetery.

Visitation

02/09/2018 10:00

11:00:00

Bannock Creek Cemetery



Pocatello

Idaho

83201



Visitation

02/08/2018 18:00

20:00:00

LDS Church, Corner of Cedar and Poole

550 W. Cedar St.

Pocatello

Idaho

83201



Funeral Service

02/09/2018 11:00



LDS Church, Corner of Cedar and Poole

550 W. Cedar St.

Pocatello

Idaho

83201