Palmer, John L. 1933-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
John L. Palmer, 91, a loving father, grandfather “Papa”, and proud Korean War veteran, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 15, 2025, in St. Joseph, surrounded by his family. Born on April 6, 1933, he served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953 as a Sergeant First Class, 2nd Division, Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment. After the war, he married Virginia A. Smith in 1954, and together they raised six children.
John worked as a laborer, retiring from Wire Rope in 1994 after 31 years. Known for his hard work and selfless nature, he was a devoted family man who cherished time with his children and grandchildren, sharing memorable moments like teaching them how to ride bikes and making homemade butter. A cat lover, he was also an avid mall walker and enjoyed technology, movies, and journaling.
John was preceded in death by his parents; wife; baby boy, Shawn; grandson, Austin Buis; and siblings, Delores Hare, Merrill, Freddy, and Roger Palmer.
He is survived by siblings, Ida Cobb, Cathy Stoddard, Joyce (Mike) Walter, and Tom, Richard (Larine), Byron, Dennis, Greg, and Tim Palmer; children, Deborah (Tom) Buis, Dianna Palmer, Jeannine (Bill) Burnett, Jon (Mandy) Palmer, and Jodi (Ty) Glascock; grandchildren, Ashley (Jen) Burnett, Ryan (Lucia) Buis, Jordan Buis, Taylor (Garrett) Glascock, Addison Glascock, Abby Palmer, and Emma Palmer; and great-grandchildren, Ellery, Emren, Enley, and Eastyn Hampton-Burnett, Hayden, Hadley, and Halston Weaver-Glascock, Caleb, Vincent, and Lillian Buis, and Ira Karol (Glascock).
The family expresses gratitude to Pat Adkins and Megan Osteen from Freudenthal Home Health, Bessie and Adrienne from Comfort Care Hospice, and the Missouri Veterans Home for their care.
The family will hold a private graveside service to honor John’s life and military service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home, 1111 Euclid Ave, Cameron, MO 64429. Services under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Private Interment Memorial Park Cemetery.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
