Joseph Russell Palmer

Joseph R. Palmer PhD ("Joe", "Dad", "Gapa", "Uncle Joe") a long-time resident of Bexley, passed away March 10, 2017 at Wesley Ridge at the age of 85. Born March 22, 1931 in Wagram, Licking County, Ohio, the son of Russell R. and Mildred B. Palmer, he attended the Etna Licking County public schools where in first grade he met Patricia (then "Patty") Weaver, who would become his life-long love. He graduated from Etna High School in 1949 and enrolled at Muskingum College where he was a member of the Mace Club. Following his freshman year, with the war in Korea brewing, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Stationed in Washington D.C. with a "desk-job" he spent evenings selling Wear-Ever pots and pans, door-to-door, to the young, single, female office workers in the area. Few were the women who could resist Joe's smile, his Navy uniform, and his steel-toed shoe, strategically wedged in the door when opened. Eventually he finagled his way to an assignment on the USS Macon and enjoyed a 6-month tour of the Mediterranean Sea and its ports-of-call. Upon discharge, Joe returned to central Ohio and his sweetheart Patty. He completed coursework at Ohio State and in 1955 received a BS degree in Social Administration from the College of Social Work. Joe and Pat (her years as "Patty" behind her) were married August 21, 1955. Two years later twin sons Mark and Matt were born. That year Joe, Pat and their boys moved to East Lansing so Joe could earn a master's degree from Michigan State's School of Social Work, and in 1960, son Andy was born. Joe's career in social work began as a parole officer in Kalamazoo. In 1961, to be closer to extended family, Joe accepted a positon as a case analyst with the Ohio Adult Parole Authority and the family moved to Bexley, Joe and Pat's home for the next 53 years. In 1962, daughter Mary Beth was born, making the family six. In 1965 Joe was appointed by Governor James Rhodes to the Ohio Parole Board and in 1967 he was named Chairman of the Parole Board. In 1970, Governor John Gilligan appointed Joe Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. That year also saw Joe receive a PhD degree in Criminology from Ohio State's College of Social Work. In 1974, Governor James Rhodes appointed Joe Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Youth Services, where he served until 1982. He then spent a year as a Senior Fellow at the National Institute of Corrections in Washington D.C., and in 1983 was named by then U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese to serve as President of the National Academy of Corrections in Boulder, Colorado. Four years later, with their first grandchild in central Ohio and more on the way, Joe and Pat returned to their Bexley home and Joe completed his public service in a leadership role with the Ohio Department of Mental Health. In the early 90's, Joe established "Mediation Services of Ohio". He was well regarded for pioneering the role of mediating resolutions to domestic relations disputes. Joe retired from his mediation practice in 2015. Throughout his civilian career, Joe continued his military service as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Joe was an example to all as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, soldier, public servant, community leader and most of all a follower of Jesus Christ. He was a member of Bexley United Methodist Church for 56 years. He genuinely loved people and found something of interest in everyone. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course with sons and friends. Joe received numerous awards in recognition of his career accomplishments. But his four children most treasure his being named "Father of the Year" in 1967 by the Bexley United Methodist Church Men's Club. Other recognitions include his induction into the Ohio State University College of Social Work "Hall of Fame" in 2012. In 1999, sons Matt and Mark honored their father by naming their newly established wealth management firm The Joseph Group.

Joe is predeceased by his wife Pat who passed in 2015, his parents, his brother David, and brothers-in-law Jim Stotler and Bob Fickle. He is survived by his children: Mark (Laurie) Palmer and sons Grant and Joe; Matt (Lisa) Palmer and daughters Layne (Patrick) Pratt, Catherine (Josh - and their son Henry) Kilmer, and Mary Grace; Andy (Lori) Palmer and daughters Ellie and Abby; and Mary Beth (Mike Duffy) and daughters Tricia and Kate, and sons Jim and Ray. Also surviving is sister-in-law Betty Stotler, brother-in-law Larry Weaver (Pat), sister-in-law Mary Fickle, and sister-in-law Beverly Palmer. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends: including his fellow "Wizards" Mike Herrel, Hugo Anderson, and Russ Clark.

A private burial service was held Monday, March 13, 2017 at Glen Rest Memorial Estate. Family will receive friends on Friday evening March 24, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Bexley United Methodist Church, 2657 East Broad Street, Bexley. A light brunch and an additional opportunity for the family to receive friends will take place at the Church on Sunday, March 26, 2017 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at1:00 PM. Rev. Becky Piatt will preside. Gifts in memory of Joe may be made to: Bexley United Methodist Church, 2657 East Broad Street, Bexley, Ohio 43209; Wesley Ridge, 2225 Taylor Park Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068; the Dr. Joseph R. Palmer Scholarship Fund at the Ohio State University College of Social Work, Stillman Hall, 1947 College Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1162; or any charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger East Chapel.