Life Story for
John Henry Palmer
John Henry Nelson Palmer, 83, and former resident of Hailey, Idaho and Darby, Montana peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, September 29, 2017.
Born in Byron, Minnesota and raised in St. Paul, John graduated from Wilson high school in 1951 and attended Forestry School at University of Minnesota before joining the United States Army where he served as a radio communications chief for three years, serving eighteen months in South Korea. Once out of the military, he joined the Bell Company (AT&T) and this ultimately brought him and his young family to Idaho.
After leaving the Bell Company, John began another chapter of his life in construction, building homes all around the Woodriver Valley. He shared his love of carpentry with his family, passing on the skills he had learned from his own father years before. John was very active with the American Legion Post Hall 115 in Ketchum. He loved the great outdoors and enjoyed taking family camping trips throughout Idaho. He played musical instruments and could often be heard around a campfire playing and signing with his family. He enjoyed music up until his time of passing.
Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to Darby, Montana in 2000 where they lived until the spring of 2017. John spent his time in Darby tinkering in his garage creating various woodcrafts. He had a passion for reading and was quick witted. He spent much of his time joking and sharing stories with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Jean M (Johnson) Palmer, daughter Judith Ann (Gary) Peak and son John August (Mandy) Palmer as well as one granddaughter Jenifer Erin (Bill) Kerner, two step-grandchildren Falyn Kristine Rincon, Aaron Patrick Rincon, and five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sister Shirley Heidemann and grandson Tyrel Henry Peak.
Honoring John’s request, a memorial will take place in July of 2018 at Baker Creek.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to:
American Legion Hall Post 115
Scholarship Fund
220 Cottonwood St, P. O. Box 625
Ketchum, Blaine Co., ID 83340