Raymond “Ray” Clifton Palmer, 87, of Ventura, died on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, following a brief illness. He was born on June 21, 1925 to Clifton H. and Ethel P. (Daubenmire) Palmer in Baltimore, Ohio. Ray had been a resident of Ventura for 62 years moving from Columbus, Ohio.
Ray worked for Basso Distributors for 30 years as the Warehouse Manager until he retired in 1990.
At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served until 1946 when he was honorably discharged. Ray began bowling while he was in the United States Navy. Throughout the years he was a member of multiple bowling leagues in Santa Barbara, Oxnard, and Ventura. In 1958, he became a member of the Board of Directors of the Ventura County Bowling Association; there he started the longest tenured term on the board. In 1999, the Board of Directors of the Ventura County Bowling Association dedicated their yearbook to him as an appreciation for all his devoted years of service. He also served three terms as president beginning in 1971. In 1998, Ray was elected as director of the California State Senior Bowling Association. Ray also coached the Ventura Optimist Junior Bowlers at Poinsettia Bowl. He was also a member of the Ventura Elks Lodge and enjoyed playing senior softball in Oxnard.
His biggest joy was watching and cheering on his son, grandsons and great grandchildren when they played sports. Whether it was basketball, soccer, baseball or softball, he attended every game possible and was always their biggest fan.
Another one of his great pastimes was watching his favorite football team the Ohio State Buckeyes.
In 1946, while working for HC Gofman Shoe Company Ray met his wife Cecelia “Cel” DeConnick, they were married on July 3, 1948, and were married for 61 years until she passed away on April 12, 2006.
He is survived by his son, Raymond Palmer (wife Georgia Palmer) of Camarillo; grandsons, Jeffrey Palmer D.C. of North Hollywood, Shawn Palmer (wife Alejandra Palmer); great grandchildren, Tyler Palmer and Nicole Palmer of Camarillo, CA; sister Mary Jane DeConnick of Columbus, OHl; and sister- in- law, Peggy DeConnick of Johnstown, OH.
Memorial Donations may be made to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice Care.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 11, 2012, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Services will take place on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 10:00 A.M. also at Ted Mayr Funeral Home with The Reverend Dan Hull officiating. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura. The United States Navy will render military honors.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home.
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