Don M. Palmer, 76, of Topeka, passed away Monday, January 18, 2021.
He
was born May 12, 1944, in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Harold and
Edith (Hunsley) Palmer. He was a 1962 graduate of Hays High School, a
1969 graduate of Fort Hays State University and received a Master's
Degree from Kansas State University in 1970. He was a Screaming Eagle
member of the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division.
Don was employed by the State of Kansas Division of Workers Compensation, retiring in 2011.
Don
married Janet Pechanec on April 1, 1967 in Hays, Kansas. She survives
in Topeka. Other survivors include two children, Jenny M. (Chris) Wilson
of Overland Park, KS and Todd M. (Stacy) Palmer of Wamego, KS; three
grandchildren, Noah M. Wilson, Zachary L. Wilson and Austin L. Wilson;
and his twin brother, Lon R. (Ann) Palmer of Hoisington, KS; his
brother, Paul E. (Sue) Palmer of Kansas City, KS; and his furry
companions, Charlie and Lilli.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Douglas Palmer; and his sister, Polly Colony.
Don
was an avid golfer, wishing he was related to Arnold Palmer. He loved
Drum Corp International, had multiple collections, and after retiring,
enjoyed the Covered Wagons motorhome group.
Honoring his
request, cremation is planned. The family will receive friends from
2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 23, 2021, at the Dove Cremations and
Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS. Private
inurnment will be in Mount Allen Cemetery, Hays, KS.
In lieu of
flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Fort
Hays State University Foundation, P.O. Box 1060, Hays, KS 67601 or to
Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St, Topeka, KS 66604.