Leonard Leon Palmer
Leonard Leon Palmer, 82, of Cape Girardeau, died on Nov. 9, 2013, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.
He was born on April 5, 1931, the son of Leonard and Louise Kelso Palmer in Stoddard County, Mo., and was raised in Wolf Lake, where his family moved while he was still an infant.
He served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1954 on US Bataan 29 and later in Adak, Alaska.
He married Patsy Wilson in Wolf Lake on Aug. 20, 1957.
Dr. Palmer, professor emeritus of mathematics at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, retired in 1995 after 33 years of teaching mathematics.
He received his undergraduate degree at Southeast Missouri State University in 1958, his master's degree from the University of Illinois in 1961 and his doctorate from Oklahoma State University in 1971.
Dr. Palmer attended Grace United Methodist Church. He had many interests, including woodworking, gardening, collecting gas engines and antique cars.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Patsy, and together, they visited all 50 states, Mexico and Canada. They said their drive to Alaska was on of their most memorable trips.
Dr. Palmer is survived by his wife and three children, two daughters, Leah (Jim) Zondlo, Laura (Steven) Peel, and a son, Les (Karen) Palmer. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Anne (Darren) Jones, Katie Peel and Jacob Palmer; his brother-in-law, Alfred (Judy) Wilson; nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Cletus; and a sister, Oleva Carter.
A committal service was held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Bloomfied, Mo., with the Rev. Stan Hargis officiating. Military rites were conducted by the Missouri honor guard.
Memorials can be made to the Leonard and Patsy Palmer Math Scholarship at Southeast Missouri State University, c/o University Foundation, No. 1 University Plaza MS 7300, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701; to the ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, D.C., 20005; or the Missouri Veterans Home, 2400 Veteran’s Memorial Dr., Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.
Online condolences can be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau was in charge of arrangements.