Another Marine was lost
63Harry Lee Palmer
My Thoughts On A Great Man
My Uncle Harry was a good man. I didn't get the chance to spend much time with him but I can tell you he always spoke his mind and let you know exactly what he thought. He was a very powerful figure and I think his example steered my uncle and namesake, LCPL Larry Ray Palmer, to join the Marines as Harry had done.
Uncle Harry came home from the service in 1963, 4 years before his brother died in Vietnam in September of 1967.
Over the years, I have lost contact with a large portion of my family. Not too long ago, my Uncle Wally passed away and Harry was the one who had to make the difficult decision of when to turn off the machines. I had went through a similar ordeal last year so we talked on the phone for a few minutes. I told him how the decision had really messed up my head and it was then he said something that really helped. He told me " Yes, it's hard. I just hope there's someone who's got the balls to do it when it's my turn."
That's how Harry was. He gave it to you straight.
I know he's up there tonight, looking down and watching over us. May he rest in peace.
The Obituary
TAMMS - Mr. Harry Lee Palmer, 67 of Tamms, formerly of Anna, died at 10:55 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, in City Care Center in Cobden.
He was born Jan. 1, 1942, in Oak Park, the son of Charles O. and Florine Warren Palmer.
Harry is survived by six children, Eileen (Wes) Wilkins of Cobden, Cindy (Tim) Chamness of Anna, Halie Thetford, Harris Wright and twins, Harry and Anna Palmer of Tamms; two sisters, Joan Schoenborn of Winfield, and Linda Suppas of Chicago; two brothers, Dennis Palmer of Carterville and Ricky Palmer of Macon, MO; five grandchildren, Jonathan and Taylor Wilkins and Josie, Katelynn and Jenna Chamness; and other relatives and many friends.
Harry was a self-employed automobile technician for many years and served in the U.S. Marines from 1959 until 1963.
According to his wishes, his body was cremated and a graveside funeral service will be announced later by Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.
Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.
This is the obituary as it was originally published in The Southern Illinoisan on December 21, 2009 with the exception of a few clerical errors and ommissions that I have corrected.
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Thank you very much. I just got an email from his neighbor and found that cancer was his last battle. It's really sad because he left behind two grown daughters and a set of twins (1 boy/1girl) who are younger than my oldest son.
I lived with Harry for over 15 years and had two wonderful kids by him they are the light of my life and it breaks my heart that he is gone i never truely known love until i met Harry.
Thank you for commenting Silver Dove. If you ever need to talk, my email is palmerlarryray@yahoo.com
Feel free to send me a message.
its just so hard to see and know that he is gone i just cant believe it but i know that its true i dont want to believe it but i need to i love my dad always and forever hes always in my heart and the whole family was at loss when he moved on with life when god needed him the most and i just want to let all the family and friends know they are all in my prayers still no matter what and if some of the family dont accept me or halie i just dont know what to do but were all family and they all know that and larry thank you for making this hub i appreciate it
Hey Harris,
I'm glad you found your way here. It was my honor to put you and your sisters names where they belonged. If you ever need anything, feel free to contact me. I've been away from much of the family news for a number of years so I honestly didn't know about you and Halie until just a day ago (actually, I think I may have heard about it but never put 2 and 2 together) but you, your sister and your mother are all welcome members of the family as far as I am concerned and you can bet I will face down any of the others who might challenge that.
Please stay in touch. Sincerely, Larry Ray Palmer
Wow! Your hub brought together a few spokes, yea? Thanks for sharing your Uncle with all of us and isn't it amazing that your hub opened the door for others to reconnect to you. Amazing, amazing, amazing GRACE!
Yes, it truly did Vern. It's amazing what a small universe we live in. I'm so glad I ran across hubpages a few months back.
Thanks for sharing this.Your uncle sounds like he could have been a friend of mine.The world is diminished by his passing.
Thanks
Dean
Thanks Dean. He was a pretty awesome guy. I wish I had gotten the chance to know him better. Thanks for stopping by and reading.
My dad was i nice man,yet sometimes he was suburn. But i loved him alot. He was like my best friend when i was lost he would find me as fast as he could. when i was sad i sat on his lap and he said "sweetie, everything is going to be al right" i really miss my dad but i know he feels better in heaven
Hey Anna,
Yes, your dad was a great guy and stubborn too. He's up there watching over you kids now and I know he's smiling down on you. I remember he used to give me hell because I tried to talk him into trading that 2 door cadillac for my buick regal one night. If you ever want to chat, just let me know.
thanks for surpporting me
maven101 Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago
Larry...My sincere condolences on your loss...Larry