Rd Palmer

RD Palmer, 82, of Pocatello, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2014 at his home in Pocatello. He was born on the 29 th of June, 1931 to Jesse Earl and Stella Roylance Palmer. RD lived and attended schools in Inkom, Idaho where he enjoying fishing on the creek with cousins and siblings. He attended Rapid Creek Ward in Inkom as a child. He attended ISU where he played basketball and also earned his Bachelors, Masters and 6 year Specialist Degree in Education. He enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War and was a Communications Officer working as a cryptologist on a naval ship. While on leave from the Navy, RD met his eternal sweetheart, Carole Ann Hansen, of Pocatello and they were married on November 18 th , 1954. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls temple on November 18 th , 1958. He and Carole were blessed to have five children: Craig, Renee, Eric, Todd, and Lisa. Carole passed away in 2004 and RD later married Madaleen Andrew whom passed away in 2013. RD continued to have a cherished relationship with Madaleen's children and grandchildren. Education was a vital part of RD's life and he thrived in teaching others. He never missed the opportunity to educate. He was employed as a Teacher, Principal, and Superintendent. He had a deep desire to enhance the Education of students in rural areas of Idaho. He was also employed with the State Department of Education on campus at Idaho State University. He served as a Superintendent of Schools in Grace, Challis, Mackay, West Jefferson and North Gem. He was named Superintendent of the Year for the state of Idaho. He also loved to bowl. He co-built and operated Challis Lanes and Eric Lanes bowling alleys with Carole. RD loved to travel the scenic routes of Idaho on road trips with Carole. He LOVED the Big Lost River Valley and passed down a playful competitive spirit of fly fishing with his sons and grandsons. He followed in his father's footsteps by playing the musical saw. He enjoyed playing gigs with his band, (The Saw Dust Band). RD was involved in and enjoyed the raising of rabbits, particularly in the last decade of his life, where he earned the title of "Rabbit Man" in the community. The raising of rabbits taught his children and grandkids the work ethic and responsibility that was so important to him. On any given weekend throughout his life, RD along with Carole could be found traveling to outreached areas to watch their children and grandchildren's ballgames and activities. They were his pride and joy. Grandpa RD loved family get-togethers, and receiving love from his little pets and his grandchildren, Eric, Jessica, Sandy, Jason, Heidi and Heather, Spencer, Megan, Timothy, Loren, Karlee, Karson and Sophia. He also had 18 great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many different callings such as Home Teacher, Elders Quorum President, Bishop, and High Councilman. RD was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Carole. His son Eric who died in an automobile accident at 17. Both of his Parents. His sister Marilyn. And 2 great grandsons, Brittan Charles Potter, and Jett William Whitaker. Survivors include his Children, Craig (Melody) Palmer, Bountiful, Utah, Renee (Laverne) Masanque, Sherwood, Oregon, Todd (Kristi) Palmer, Kaysville, Utah, Lisa Lindsay, Pocatello, Idaho. His siblings Earl (Myrna) Palmer, Lorianne Briggs, and Robert (Judy) Palmer. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Monday, March 24, 2014 at the Tyhee Stake Center, 12146 W. Tyhee Road, Pocatello, ID 83201. A viewing will be held at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Avenue, Pocatello, ID, Sunday, March 23 from 6-8 pm and from 12:30 to 1:30 pm on Monday at the Tyhee Stake Center. Military rites will follow at the Inkom Cemetery. Condolences can be made to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com