Gary Dean Palmer of Salem, Oregon, died in his home on December 4, 2023, at the age of 77 from congestive heart failure. Gary was a long-time Oregon resident and enjoyed his years in Salem with his beloved wife, Barbara Lee Palmer.
Gary was born on December 14, 1945, in Portland, OR, to Clarence Palmer and Bessie Jeanne Sherman. He was the oldest of four boys. His hometown was Dallas, OR, where he graduated from Dallas High School with interests in sports, music, and the Christian Club. Gary served in the US Navy as a photographer during the Vietnam War. He was married to Lavada Jane Hildebrand shortly before deploying to Japan. While in Japan, Gary and his wife joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and celebrated the birth of their first daughter. Upon returning to the United States, they welcomed their second daughter, and Gary continued his education. He furthered his life-long pursuit of photography by running a branch of his parent's photography business in McMinnville, OR, and eventually purchased it. During these years, he became a father to two more daughters, served in church callings, and enjoyed church sports and camping with his family. He was well known as a real-life Tetris player and could pack everything for a trip, including the kitchen sink.
Gary and Lavada divorced in 1986, at which point Gary changed his professional endeavors to obtain his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Oregon College of Education (Western Oregon). He went on to teach language arts and social studies in Ukiah, OR. When he returned, he taught the same subjects at Falls City High School, followed by many opportunities for substitute teaching in Woodburn and surrounding areas.
Gary was talented in wedding photography, family group photos, gardening, and woodworking.
In 1987, he met his beloved wife, Barbara Lee Froehlich, in Salem, Oregon, at a single adult fireside at their church. She even married him as the owner of a bright, big yellow van. Barbara and Gary married in the Seattle, Washington Temple on December 11, 1987. This year, they were celebrating their 36th year of marriage. Gary and Barbara enjoyed their Jan Rae Ward family and served diligently in their callings for many years. Gary served in the Oregon National Guard for 9 years. During those years, they enjoyed hosting a foreign exchange student from Thailand.
After retirement, Gary spent many hours growing and cultivating in his backyard garden. He and Barb enjoyed canning, traveling for special anniversaries, trips to the Oregon coast, and dining at their favorite restaurants.
Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his four daughters and sons-in-law, Shari Palmer, Pamela Stoddard (Chell), Julie Gibb (Spencer), and Jennifer Christie (Ryan). His living brothers include Stephen Palmer (Jan), Daniel Palmer, and Robert Palmer (Karen). He also has 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and two sisters-in-law.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Palmer and Bessie Jeanne Sherman.
The funeral services and celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, starting at 4 pm.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
862 45th Avenue NE
Salem, OR 97301
A Zoom broadcast is available for our out-of-town family and friends at the following link:
Thank you to Virgil T. Golden for their care and kindness in preparing our husband and father for his last birthday celebration.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/.../gary-palmer-11573244
In place of flowers, please consider donating to the GoFundMe for medical and funeral costs.
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