David Lynn Palmer, 84, peacefully crossed over into Eternity on March 31, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease. He was at home with his beloved wife, Linda, by his side. David was born in Hastings, Nebraska on May 26, 1940 to Willard Palmer and Mildred Cox Palmer.
David graduated from Shelton, NE High School, Hastings College in Hastings, NE , and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL with a Master of Divinity degree. David was an ordained Presbyterian minister and worked as a chaplain at Rush Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, IL. He finished his career with the Department of Children and Family Services in Woodstock, IL.
After his retirement, David and Linda traveled to England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland. They moved to Victoria in September of 2019 and were members of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.
David was an avid reader of U.S. History, and particularly of the lives of the presidents. He was also very fond of birdwatching and identification. As a Nebraska farm boy, David was always concerned about treating the Earth in a sustainable manner.
David is survived by his wife of 24 years, Linda Knobeloch Palmer; sisters, Barbara (Don) McGill of Salida, CO, Gwen (Ancel) Lewis of Fort Collins, CO and Alice (Virgil) Couse of Castle Pines, CO; son, Christopher Palmer of Oak Park, IL; stepchildren, Matthew Ellington of Victoria and Jessica Ellington (Evan Gangle) of Chicago, IL.
David is preceded in death by his parents; son, Kent Palmer; and brother-in-law, Donald McGill.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Drs. Aaron New and Gustavo Sandigo and Harbor Hospice for their compassionate and professional care and support of David and Linda since their arrival in Victoria.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting memorials to the following: Diocese of Victoria Education of Seminarian Fund, P.O. Box 4070, Victoria, TX 77903 or Diocese of Victoria Office of Catechetical Ministry
Pastoral Institute Fund, P.O. Box 4070, Victoria, TX 77903 or Nazareth Academy Tuition Scholarship Fund, 206 W. Convent, Victoria, TX 77901.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 at 8am, with rosary beginning at 8:15am and memorial mass following at 9am, all at Our Lady of Sorrows, 208 W River St.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
