Dennis Palmer, 56, of South Whitley, Ind., passed away at 4:05 p.m. Tuesday, Feb., 2013, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City, Ind.

Born Oct. 16, 1956, in Columbia City, he was the son of Neil Burwell and Patty Ann (Hoffman) Palmer.

A lifetime resident of Whitley County, he graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1976. On Dec. 12, 2012, he married Christine Lynn Bowman in Larwill, Ind. He previously worked for Churubusco Elevator, Raber Elevator, Reelcraft and Indian Springs School as a part-time janitor. Since 2007 he has been employed at C & A Tool as a machine operator.

Survivors include his wife: Christine L. Palmer, South Whitley; three daughters: Monica M. (Greg) Green, Brandy K. Palmer and Callie M. (Michael) Braun, all of Columbia City; a son: Corey L. Cremeens-Palmer, Fort Wayne, Ind.; his mother: Patty Ann Starkey, Columbia City; his father: Neil B. (Marcella) Palmer, Centennial, Colo.; eight grandchildren; six brothers and sisters: Jeffrey L. (Anna) Starkey and David A. (Laura) Starkey, both of Columbia City; Gregory L. (Kristine) Starkey, Fairbanks, Alaska; Michelle R. (Jim) Cull, Westfield, Ind.; and Neil “Butch” (Nikkole) Palmer, Colorado; and Christine (Lance) Sherwood, Colorado; step-daughters: Kathleen A. Romanowski, DeBary, Fla.; and Andrea E. Tennant and Emily M. Tennant, both of North Webster, Ind. 

He was preceded in death by his step-father: David L. Starkey.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 1, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Beck of Larwill Wesleyan Church officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery, South Whitley.  

Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Palmer’s memory to Whitley County 4-H. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.