Larry David Palmer's Obituary
Larry David Palmer Sr. passed away on Sunday November 15, 2025, at Beardstown Health and Rehabilitation Center. Larry was born July 31st, 1935, in Astoria Illinois to Sherman “Shy” and Beulah Palmer. Larry had three children with his wife Linda, Yvonne “Vonnie” Stambaugh Taylor (Doug), David Palmer (deceased), Terri Jo Palmer (Tracey Ashcraft) all of Beardstown Illinois. His grandchildren include Heather and Phillip Stambaugh, Keaton Taylor, Nate and Kayla Palmer, Tyler and Maddie Ashcraft Zachary Palmer and Clayton Coleman.
Larry married Rita Hoffman of Claremore Oklahoma in November of 1976 with four children, Jeanne Berry (Rodger), Patty Starkey both deceased, Tom Tefft (Brenda) and Bill Tefft (DuRonda). Grandchildren include Rodger and Matt Berry, Jennifer, TJ, Isaac and Memory Tefft, Joshua and Rachel (Pettit) Tefft, Michael, LaShonda and John Easter.
Following high school Larry enter military service with the Army Airborne 101st Division stationed in Japan as a medic during the Korean conflict era. After returning home Larry was employed by Locks autobody in Canton Illinois, Bohn Aluminum in Beardstown. He then began working for Peabody Coal company in Rushville Il. In that career he earned many awards subsequently moving to many mines over the years with the company including Missouri, Vinita Oklahoma then at San Miguel coal mine in Pleasanton Texas. Larry moved back to Oklahoma in 1989 where he worked and retired from the City of Catoosa as a utility mechanic.
Larry enjoyed working on anything mechanical and bringing things back to life. He was a jack of all trades but more importantly a master of them all. Larry biggest joys were being a dad, grandpa and husband. Larry enjoyed many years of retirement with Rita traveling, dining out, shopping and most importantly visiting with family. Larry was a man of the Catholic faith, loving and caring for others. He was a giver and helped many people out in his lifetime. He was always willing to help and teach others to better their lives. Larrys favorite saying was…………well everyone knows. Larry was loved by many, and he will be very much missed.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Beulah, sisters Eva Trone, Dora Ann Fox, Glenna Parry, brothers Richard, Herbert, Jerry and Allen Palmer and son David.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 23rd from 12pm-2pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 24th, 2025 at 2pm at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
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