Earl Palmer

Earl D. Palmer

Age 83 of Wilmington, and formerly of Kankakee and Peoria, passed away Thursday June 16, 2016 at Citadel Care Center in Kankakee.

Born May 25, 1933 in Peoria, Earl David was a son of Joseph and Hazel (Hendrickson) Palmer.  He was raised and educated in Peoria, and honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956.  On December 8, 1962 Earl married Retha M. Osborn at Madison Avenue Methodist Church in Peoria. He was formerly employed by the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, and retired from DOW Chemical.  Earl loved to grow flowers, especially orchids, and enjoyed coin collecting.  He was an excellent cook and took pleasure in preparing meals for his family.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years: Retha M. Palmer of Wilmington; one son: Randy (Debbie) Osborn of Peoria; three grandchildren: Arlene (Duane) Lauffer of Godley, Steven Osborn of Wilmington and David Tibbetts of Joliet; four great grandchildren: Ashley (Tony Feigel) Goodwin, David Goodwin, Jr., Devin (Lauren Smith) Goodwin and Keegan Lauffer; eight great-great grandchildren: Ana, Alex, Raegan, Brielle, Aidyn, Brayson, Kinnzee and Khalessi; four siblings: Donald (Jean) Palmer of Texas, Laurel Walters of Bonfield, Pamela (Mike) Woolcott of Kentucky and Meri Bauer of Bonfield; four brothers-in-law: Robert (Clara) Osborn of Burlington, Iowa, Richard (Gale) Osborn of Rhome, Texas, Ronald (Paula) Osborn of Mapleton, Illinois and Raymond Osborn of Eureka, Illinois; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Joseph V. Palmer; nephew: Joseph Palmer; brothers-in-law: Rex Norgaard, Ron Bauer and Dale Walters; and sister-in-law: Patricia Palmer-Gunther.

Visitation and video tribute will be Tuesday June 21, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington. Rev. Tom Kingery from the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington will officiate, and burial with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Earl’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Earl’s memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington 815-476-2181.