Ralph Leon Palmer Sr.

Mr. Ralph Leon Palmer, Sr. A beautiful blessed life came to an end Saturday, September 16, 2006 when God called Mr. Ralph Leon Palmer, Sr. to his heavenly home. Mr. Palmer was born in Hope, AK on September 11, 1926, the son of James A. Palmer and Frances Ella Phillips Palmer. He was a graduate of Yerger High School in Hope, AK and attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, AK. Mr. Palmer honored his country with service in the United States Air Force as a paratrooper. He was a veteran of World War II. Upon moving to Grand Rapids, MI in 1954 he became employed by Rowe International Inc. where he served as a Union Steward before going on to be elected National Representative for the International Union of Electrical Workers serving the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Palmer, Frances Ella Phillips Palmer; and sister, Irene Virginia Palmer Bridges. Mr. Palmer leaves to celebrate his life and home-going his wife of 55 years, Mrs. Mattie Grace Palmer of Grand Rapids, MI; three loving children, Mr. Ralph Leon Palmer, Jr. of Grand Rapids, MI, Ms. Julie Palmer of Lansing, MI and Ms. Tracey Palmer of Chicago, IL; five caring grandchildren, Amy, Ann, Kendra, Brandie and Grace Mayin; three great grandchildren, Riley, Dante, and Liam; one dear brother, Mr. Theodis (Louise) Palmer of Hope, AK; a loving sister, Mrs. Minerva (Thowell) Frierson of Chicago, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends. Family will greet friends Thursday morning, September 21, 2006 at 11 a.m. at the Brown Funeral Chapel, Grand Rapids. Viewing will be held Wednesday, September 20, 2006 from 4 to 7 p.m. BROWN FUNERAL HOME 616 243-1425