Donald E. Palmer

Donald E. Palmer, 77 years old, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at his home.  Don was born on September 5, 1948 in South Bend to the late Benjamin and Norma (Brown) Palmer.  He has remained a lifelong resident.  Don formerly worked at Wheelhorse and retired from Schafer Gear as a tool crib operator. 

Don is survived by his two sons, Douglas Palmer of Lakeville and Jeffery (Lara) Palmer of Bristol; and his five grandchildren, Emma Palmer, Lilly Palmer, Claire Palmer, Ben Palmer, and Ariana Palmer.  He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Nancy Palmer of South Bend and sister-in-law, Jo Ann Palmer of South Bend, along with several nieces and nephews.  Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Dennie Palmer on February 6, 2015.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the Palmer Funeral Home, within the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan Street, Lakeville.  Military graveside services will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Friends may also visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Donald E. Palmer may be donated to the Center for the Homeless, 813 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN  46601.  Online condolences may be offered to the Palmer family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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