Mr. Palmer, passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 86. Jon was born to John Henry Palmer and Odessa Cox Palmer on November 2, 1938, in Elsberry, Mo. Jon was proud of the fact that he was born in a house long before home birthing’s became popular. After a childhood in the rolling hills of Lincoln County and completing 12 years in the Elsberry school system, graduating with the class of 1956, he moved to Saint Louis and began a career in commerce.
He was a lifetime member of The First Christian Church, Elsberry, Mo.
He served two years of active military service in the United States Army at the request of his country and was a 30-year member of the American Legion.
He was the founder and owner of Waiting Room Services. In 2001 after 40 years in business he sold his commercial interest and retired.
He was an avid reader of antiquity; his library contained a collection of over 1000 history books. He was an experienced world traveler visiting over 70 countries often writing about his adventures. His journeys took him behind the Iron Curtain, deep into the Palestinian Authority, and a visit to North Korea. While he lived his adult life in the city he remained a country boy at heart. His childhood roots gave him a great affection for the outdoor life, camping and hiking in our National Park system was his usual summer pleasure.
He is survived by his children, Michael Palmer, Laura Gaylor, and Lisa Lange; Grandchildren Megan, Jesse, Dylan, Macey, Mattison and Melissa and one great-granddaughter Lailah, and great grandsons, Maverick and Lane, along with many nieces and nephews.
Services; Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON Chapel 10151 Gravois, Wednesday November 13, 10:00 AM. Interment JB National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Legion, Post 226, Elsberry, MO. Visitation Tuesday 6:00-8:00 PM.
Service will be live streamed at : https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczMDkzNTQ5MzMzNTg1OSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Mike, Laura, Lisa, and Palmer family, I’m so very sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your familys in this difficult time.
Jon will be missed, I have fond memories of the last time he came to visit and enjoyed talking to him and hearing his antics and talking of his mom and family history. He was a character and had us all cracking up telling a story of uncle Glen and himself in their youth. Good memory for me of him.
My condolences to you all.
David Cox
Albuquerque, N.M.
I’ll always remember huh Haynes. Sleep well Jon. We’ll all miss you. Love always.
Lisa, Sorry to hear of your dads passing. He is now in no more pain and flying high.
Mr. Palmer Thank you for your service.
Laura, Michael and Lisa:
A friend of many years, a friend of Bill W and a companion for many miles of walking/talking and solving all the ills of the world. Often, speech wasn’t required. A quiet acknowledgment of our time. As you often mentioned, all the friends and dogs in your life were beloved by you.
So very sorry for your loss. Mom (Joyce Davis Ross) spoke to him often and thought very highly of him. They graduated together. Thoughts and prayers.
Jon is a good soul. He was a mentor, telling me what I should “consider” doing as well as being very supportive of me in my unconventional endeavors. We talked sometimes for hours. He knew I would go on and on, asking question after question, yet he would always appreciate me. He found the good in people and helped them towards it.
My friend Earl was so drawn to him that Jon invited Earl to walk the Grand Canyon with him. Earl said, “I had a hard time keeping up.”
I am so fortunate to have known Jon Palmer that I sit here with tears already missing him.
Jon was 20 years my senior, always a few steps ahead of me. Always showing me the future and what was in store for me when I got there. I am grateful for his companionship and guidance. I miss him terribly already. The world will not be the same without Jon Palmer
Always a great pleasure to talk with Jon when he visited Elsberry – his home town. He had a special heart for the Christian Church and tried to attend many of the special events. Enjoyed his Christmas letters as he shared his love for the Lord. I was so glad that I had the pleasure of knowing Jon.