Kenneth Calvin Palmer

Kenneth C. Palmer of Wilmington, Delaware passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017, three days before his 76th birthday.  He died at the Brackenville Center in Hockessin, where he had been a resident for the past two years after suffering a stroke. 

Ken was born on December 24, 1941 in Lewes, Delaware to the late Calvin and Evelyn (Mary) Palmer.  He attended Lewes High School, and then proudly served our country in the United States Navy.  Following his honorable discharge from military service, Ken worked for several years at Sears in Prices Corner.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Marjorie McLaren.  The two were married and joyfully celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in July 2017. 

In the late 1960s, Ken enrolled in computer classes and began working at the Data Information Center for Education (DICE), later known as the Data Center.   He retired after 25 years of service.  In his retirement, as before, Ken enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, reading, and never found himself far from a barbecue grill.  He was a longtime, avid Flyers and Eagles fan.  And even though he enjoyed being on or near the water, Ken also loved his home in Tucson, Arizona.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence Palmer.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Marjorie (McLaren) Palmer; his son, Scott and his wife, Lauren of Wilmington; his daughter, Tammi and her husband, Bruce Barnett of Tuscon, AZ; two granddaughters, Evelyn and Elizabeth Palmer; four nephews and their families.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of the Brackenville Center for their wonderful care.

Friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Saturday, January 13 from 10:00-11:00AM, with a memorial service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Ken to the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 (www.delawarehumane.org).

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