Another Marine was lost : Harry Lee Palmer 1942-2009
Harry 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.
