A lifetime resident of El Paso, Texas, DAVID EUGENE PALMER passed much too soon from this life on October 10, 2018 at the age of 60. David will be greatly missed, and his memory will be cherished by his mother, Eula Cherrie Palmer; his daughter, Samantha LeeAnn Palmer; one sister, Pamela Palmer Cook of Atlanta, GA; and two brothers, Paul Edward Palmer, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ and Leslie Charles Palmer of Albuquerque, NM; as well as his uncle, Truman Palmer, aunt, Helen Palmer and cousins Clay and Matthew Palmer all of El Paso. He also leaves behind nine nieces and nephews and sixteen great nieces and nephews. A veteran teacher, David will be greatly missed by a community of friends and students who loved him as well.
Born on March 1, 1958, David was the youngest of the four children born to Paul Edward Palmer, Sr. (deceased) and Eula Mae (Cherrie) Smith Palmer. He came into this world with a twinkle in his eyes and even as a toddler was mischievous and always up to something. That never stopped! He was always extremely affectionate and sensitive to others which was a huge part of his endearing nature. He never met a stranger and could talk anyone’s ear off with all the stories he had to tell. He was as down-to-earth and authentic as anyone could be. He had a very keen sense of justice and his character and moral integrity were impeccable.
For David, school was always about having fun. He was always ready to play or engage in any recreational activity. Because of a congenital heart valve defect, his heart was not strong, so he was not permitted to engage in any athletic activities that might ignite his competitive nature, but that didn’t stop him from trying. He was artistic and creative and could do amazing things with his hands whether that was rebuilding a car engine or creating an intricate string art picture. Most of all, he loved to spend time with friends which, in his youth, meant clowning around and doing some “crazy” things that even resulted in a broken bone now and again.
David attended Hillside Elementary, Moorehead Junior High and Coronado High School. He attended UTEP where he earned a bachelor’s degree with a double major in geology and archeology/anthropology. Within a couple of years, he returned to UTEP to earn a second bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
Of his nearly 30-year teaching career with EPISD, David’s first assignment was in 1989 at Crocket Elementary School teaching 2nd grade. It was here that he first met Rosa Guerrero in a friendship that lasted through the years. In 1992 when Rosa Guerrero Elementary School opened, David was among the inaugural faculty. During most of those 25 years, he taught 4th grade science and math. He was a significant factor in the excellent reputation of the school and was highly esteemed and loved by the administration, fellow teachers, the staff, students and parents. His passion was teaching science, but his love was always the children. They always knew their teacher loved them and expected great things from them, and because of that, they did their best not to disappoint him.
In his personal life, David loved nothing more than to spend time in the desert, especially with his daughter. As often as he could, he spent his weekends combing the sand dunes for arrow points and searching for the evidences left behind of ancient peoples who lived or passed through those places eons ago.
In his unpretentious way, David loved the Lord and lived his life in a way that reflected the love of Jesus to others. He really didn’t speak about his faith much, but he modeled and lived what he believed. The comment the family has heard the most about David from those outside the family reflecting on his life is, “He had a heart bigger than the world!” It pretty much sums it up to say that David lived and loved with everything he had.
Those of us blessed to have been a part of his life are forever better because of David Eugene Palmer, and we can smile thinking about him enthusiastically jumping into the new adventure he has now embarked upon.
David’s public memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 27 at 9:00 A.M. at Mission de Gracia Church, 1385 Northwestern Dr., El Paso, TX 79912 with minister and long-time friend, Howard Bryan, presiding. As a beloved teacher and friend to so many, David will be remembered and honored at several other private services and gatherings as well.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rosa Guerrero Elementary School, designate: David Palmer Science Fund, 7530 Lakehurst Dr., El Paso, TX 79912.
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