Howard Palmer

Howard Palmer, 92, of Lead, S.D., passed away Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital.
Howard was born in Mansfield, S.D., on Oct. 5, 1920. The family moved to Lead in 1933.
He graduated from Lead High School in 1939. In 1941, he joined the Army with the 109th Engineers. He participated in campaigns in North Africa and Italy. Howard was honorably discharged in 1945 and joined the National Guard in 1947 until 1953 being activated during the Korean conflict.
He was married to Eva Laurenti on April 13, 1947. Three children were born to this union; Ralph, Sherry and Tom.
Howard began employment with Homestake Mining Company, working in various areas. He retired in 1985 as general maintenance foreman. Howard fondly remembered all of the people he worked with at Homestake.
As a long time member of St. Patrick’s Church, he served various positions at the church and was a member of Homestake Post 31 Legion and the VFW.
Howard was proud of many things he accomplished, but mostly his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Eva of Lead; children, Ralph (Glennis) Palmer, Sherry (Ron) McGrath and Tom (Lynda) Palmer all of Gillette; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Clara, brothers, Virgil, Vern, Orville, Duane and sister, Virginia.
Vigil was Sunday, March 17, 2013, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Lead, S.D. Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, March 18, 2013, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial followed at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.