John M. Palmer, Sr.

John was born on June 5, 1939, in Springfield, the son of Melvin and Helen (Blesser) Palmer. He married Jeanette Nevitt on January 20, 1962, in Springfield. She preceded him in death on May 19, 2014.

John attended Springfield High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He started his law enforcement career with the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office in 1964. After working there for a few years, he worked for the Springfield Police Department for 28 years, retiring in 1993. John then worked for Menard County Sheriff’s Department for 18 years, retiring in 2013.

In the words of Mike Walton, retired Lieutenant, and former Chief of Police for the SPD, “John was a Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant, and the Range Master. He loved weapons and while at the SPD he earned the Master Badge for his excellence with firearms. John was one of the most, if not the most highly decorated Springfield Police Officer is SPD history, having received the Porter Williams Award a total of three times for distinguished acts of bravery and heroism during his outstanding career with the SPD. He was highly regarded by all those in law enforcement and was one of those exceptional police officers, where no matter how dangerous or how bad the situation, if John was going in, you would immediately go in with him, without any reservations, as John had your back. The passing of this outstanding Police Officer is an end of an era for the SPD, as he was the epitome of a Cops’ Cop.”

John was a member of the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, the Abe Lincoln Gun Club, and the Illinois Police Association. He was a dedicated pet lover. John loved being outdoors and was also an avid duck hunter.

John was also preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his children, John M. Palmer, Jr. of Springfield, Aldona Marie Palmer of Alma, WI, and Eric David Palmer of Evanston, IL; grandchildren, Nicholas, Zachary, and Quinn Kauten; brother, M.G. Jerry (Linda) Palmer of Springfield; sister, Penny Palmer of St. Augustine, FL; and his pet cat, Cuddles.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. Memorial Gathering will begin with a prayer service.

Graveside Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Roselawn Memorial Park with Rev. Christopher Trummer, celebrant.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702; American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284; or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215.