Dean E. Palmer

Dean E. Palmer

March 21, 1934 - October 09, 2010

Dean E. Palmer

March 21, 1934 - October 09, 2010

Obituary

Dean Edward Palmer was born on March 21, 1934, and died on October 9, 2010, due to complications from dementia and pneumonia. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gloria Palmer, his four children, nine grandchildren and a new great grandson.

Dean was born in Coquille, Oregon; he was the sixth child of eleven. Because of his family’s circumstances, he spent much of his childhood in the fields picking crops and not attending school regularly. However, this didn’t stop his imaginative mind and his thirst for learning.

At the end of the Korean War, Dean was drafted into the Navy. In 1954 he was shipped to San Diego in preparation for his trip to Japan. While in Japan Dean managed the training facility and devoted much of his time to roller skating. This same year, a mutual friend introduced him to a young lady named Gloria Causey. And it would be this young lady that he would remain married to and whom he would enjoy his life for the next 56 years.

After returning from the service Dean settled into family life and worked as a Policeman for the Torrance Police Department, the Douglas Corporation and the Northrop Corporation, from which he retired early in 1979. During the 1970’s Dean opened a motorcycle shop in Wilmington, California where he sold and repaired motorcycles. He also enjoyed motorcycle racing a legacy he passed on to his son Ron.

It was also in the 1970’s that Dean put his imaginative and creative ideas to work for his children. He invented several toys, including a hover craft, and a travel camper which the family enjoyed on long trips to Grants Pass, Oregon. His imaginative thinking earned him national and international patents.

In 1979 Dean retired to Grants Pass, Oregon. During this time he learned to and enjoyed farming, woodworking and driving a school bus. Also, while in Grants Pass he enjoyed fishing, attending high school football games, watching the yearly Grants Pass Memorial Weekend Baseball Tournaments, trips to Washington and Canada, and was an active member of the Masonic Lodge. And right in line with his humor, he created and proudly wore his ‘satchel ass’ pants.

In 1998 he and Gloria moved back to California and bought a home in San Jacinto. During this time he loved spending time in his garden tending to several fruit trees and developed a passion for collecting antique sewing machines. Dean also created a system for betting on the horses which actually proved to be quite accurate. Ironically, since he wasn’t a betting man he never placed a bet.

Throughout Dean’s many adventures and life accomplishments none made him prouder than his children. Their successes were of course in their careers. But of far greater importance, their successes are their children and how they love and care for them, just as Dean had.

Dean leaves a legacy of proud US military service, miles of motorcycle races and broken bones, a wonderful and sometimes alarming sense of humor, several patents and creations, and a love for his family and friends that will surely endure with our countless memories and endless love.

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2 responses to Dean E. Palmer

  1. Dad Palmer will be dearly missed. He always had that big smile and big bear hugs for us Jobie Girls! He was a great man who touched many lives. My condolences, love and hugs to Gloria, Mary and all the family.

  2. michael cook says:

    papa dean will be missed

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