Stu Palmer

(From Parker Mortuary)

Sterling Lee (Stu) Palmer was born on February 12, 1938. He was the oldest son of Robert Lee Palmer and Marjorie (George) Palmer. After attending Joplin Schools and working at various jobs including a tour with a carnival, Stu enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He took great pride in the opportunity to serve his country as a Marine infantryman. 

After his military service, Stu returned to Joplin, where he married the love of his life, Alice Jean Corbus, in 1962. Stu chose to become a father to Alice's son William Michael Palmer. Stu and Alice had three more children together Sterling Lee Palmer ll, Audra Jean (Palmer) Holtwick, and Chad Alan Palmer.

Stu was employed by Fleming Foods for nearly all of his working life, retiring when the company closed their Joplin location in 1996. He was an active member of Elks Lodge 501 since 1974, and enjoyed participating in their bowling league. He was also an active member of Teamsters Union Local 823. He was a formidable poker player, a bit of a pool shark, and an avid fan of all kinds of sports, particularly enjoying NASCAR races which he attended with his friends after he retired. Stu celebrated over 40 years of sobriety, and was active in local AA groups where he helped others find their way to recovery as he had. In his later years Stu fought to maintain his independence, and succeeded in persisting at home until his death with the support of his son Chad, daughter-in-law Toni and Toni's mother, Linda Long, who lived with him and cared for him until the end.

Stu was preceded in death by his beloved wife Alice in 2003 and cared for her faithfully until her passing. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother Merle Leon Palmer. He is survived by his sister Katheryn (Kay) Watkins, and his two brothers Robert (Pudge) Palmer ll and Wayne (Butch) Palmer and his four children William Michael Palmer and his wife Dorothy of Columbia Missouri. Sterling Lee Palmer ll, Joplin. Audra Jean Holtwick and her husband Tait of Baxter Springs, Kansas and Chad Alan Palmer and his wife Toni of Joplin. 12 grandchildren, 17 great-children, and one great great granddaughter.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Palmer, Ryan Palmer, TJ Holtwick, Charles Beard, Dylan Hill, and Stephen Pequignot. Visitation will be Thursday October 1, 2026, at Parker Mortuary 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Graveside service Friday October 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stu's name to the DAV, VFW, or Elks Lodge.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.