Richard Isom Palmer

Richard Isom Palmer 45 Year Resident of Danville Richard Isom Palmer passed away after a short illness on March 27, 2011. He was born in Cedar City, Utah on November 9, 1915. He was the seventh of eight children, and the last survivor, born to William Rees and Kate Vilate Isom Palmer. He grew up in Cedar City, went to Cedar City schools, and then to the Branch Agricultural College, where he excelled in academics and was a member of the tennis team. He transferred to Utah State University, where he graduated in Public Administration in 1938. Upon graduation he married his sweetheart, LaPriel Hanson in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The day after their wedding, the two set out for California for Richard to enroll in the PhD program at UC Berkeley. In 1941, Richard was in PhD program when the Navy Department came to UC and asked if some of the students could come to Mare Island Naval Shipyard and develop administrative systems for staffing up the Shipyard from 3500 to 18,000 men. Richard and six others took on the task. When the war started Richard stayed at Mare Island and then transferred to San Francisco Naval Shipyard, Hunters Point, when the Navy opened that shipyard. He spent his career working at the shipyards, finally transferring back to Mare Island, in 1965, when the Navy closed Hunters Point. Richard and family moved to Danville with that transfer. Richard and LaPriel were married 72 years. LaPriel passed away in 2010. They had three children, Karin (Darrell Kearl), John (Allyn Joy) and Kathy (Albert Maziarz). Kathy passed away in 2009. There are 13 grandchildren and 24 (and counting) great grandchildren. Dad and Mom's home was the frequent gathering place of the family. Richard was always active in his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding many important callings over the years including Bishop and Stake President. He was the Church's representative for the construction of the LDS Chapel in Danville. Richard was happiest when he was in the mountains of Southern Utah. He enjoyed fishing and just being there. One of his life long dreams was to build a cabin in the mountains. His dream was fulfilled when he built his cabin near Hatch, Utah, which he named Tacubin, which means ‘friend' in the language of the Pahute Indians. The family would especially like to thank Yolly, Lao and the other caregivers of the Danville Care Home for the loving care that they provided for our Dad during the last five months. A reception for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 1, at 12:00 noon, followed by the funeral at 1:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 655 Old Orchard Road, Danville. Interment at Fillmore City Cemetery, Fillmore, Utah Visitation Friday, April 1, 2011 12:00 pm-01:00 pm