Allen Palmer

Allen Lehman Palmer, 91, of Kalamazoo, Michigan died peacefully at his daughter's home on Monday, July 3, 2023.

Allen was born November 12, 1931, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Laurence and Marion (Stephens) Palmer. He grew up in Galesburg and was a 1950 graduate of Galesburg High School. Allen honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force 84th Fighter Group for four years, until his discharge on December 8, 1955. Allen was primarily employed as an accountant for Austin Construction Company at their Portage Upjohn location until he retired in 1993.

Allen Lehman Palmer was united in marriage to Ella Marie Wortinger on November 1, 1953, in Galesburg, Michigan. Sadly, Allen was preceded in death by Ella, his wife of 66+ years on November 22, 2019. He is survived by their two children, Debra J. (Bruce) Esterline and Stephen A. (Gretchen Dettloff) Palmer both of Kalamazoo; nine grandchildren, Nicholas (Erin) Palmer, Matthew (Stacy) Palmer, Emilie Palmer, Riley Palmer, Amanda (Scott) Keith, Andrew (Kate) Esterline, Aaron Esterline, Ryan Halloran, and Colin Halloran and thirteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Allen was preceded in death by his father; mother and stepfather, Marion and Luther Lovins.

Allen was a member of Northeastern Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and treasurer. He enjoyed fishing, traveling on various trips with church groups, listening to guitar music, photography, baseball, working word search puzzles, going out to eat, and especially spending time with his grandchildren and their families. Allen will be remembered for his friendly and thoughtful personality.

Military honors and committal will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2023, at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Friends will be received at Northeastern Baptist Church 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2023, where a service to celebrate Allen's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northeastern Baptist Church, 6536 East G Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49048; or Elara Caring Hospice, 4664 Campus Dr., Suite 101A-B, Kalamazoo, MI 49008.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.