Ed Palmer

(From Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Edward "Ed" Victor Palmer, 83, of Webb City, departed this life for Heaven on September 7th, 2022. He no longer suffers and walks the streets of gold. Ed never met a stranger. 

Although Ed has left his family and friends to mourn the loss of his carefree and loving personality, we have the assurance one day we'll be reunited again.

Ed was born March 31, 1939, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to Silas Edgar Palmer and Jane Ellen (Moore) Palmer. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and five brothers.

Ed attended Picher Oklahoma High School. He graduated in 1957. In July of the same year, he enlisted into "Uncle Sam's Navy" as he called it. He was a Petty Officer First Class Radar Man, Electronic Specialist. He served for 13 years, until he was Honorably discharged from his service on October 1st, 1969. During his service he received the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Taiwan Straits Military Operations, Navy Expeditionary Medal for Cuban Military Operations and two Good Conduct Awards.

Shortly after getting out of the service, Ed lived in Afton, Oklahoma, before relocating with his family to Arlington, Texas. Ed and family lived in Arlington for 10 years and this is where he opened a TV shop, 1st Class TV. Upon returning to Missouri, he worked at Four State TV, Crase TV and Curtis Mathis. At one time, he was known as the "Curtis Mathis guy." This was a nickname he was given as he was their in-home TV repair man. Later in life, Ed went to work for the Joplin R-8 School District as a custodian. He retired from there in 2006.

Ed loved to fish and had a wonderful time anytime he went. He will be remembered by his children and grandchildren as the man who taught us to fish and have a good time while doing it. His nickname was "Catfish". His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He will be remembered by his youngest grandchildren as "Papa Ed" who sang them to sleep by singing "Froggy went a courtin".

He married Becky (Wright) Smith on May 26, 1990. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Steven Palmer, Wichita, Kansas, three daughters Michelle Palmer of Las Vegas, Nevada, Lisa Shively of Sedro-Woolley, Washington and Rachael Durland (Chris) of Webb City; grandchildren Dalton Palmer, Hunter Shively, Amelia Durland and Joseph Durland and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be Wednesday September 14th at Carterville Cemetery at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Joplin Humane Society. The family thanks Truman Nursing Home, Lamar, MO and Dr. Joustra for the kindness that they have shown Ed over the years.

Pallbearers: Chris Durland, Bob Gideon, Ray Lee Wood, Ed Burdick, Terrence Wethington, and Mitch Lawrence. Honorary Pallbearer: Joseph Durland.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.