Our Staff

Kent R. and Dolores Palmer

Founders

Kent graduated from Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1958. He was a member of Lakeville United Methodist Church, North Liberty Masonic Lodge #266 F & AM, Shrine Club of South Bend, North Liberty OES #290, Past Patron, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, Orak Temple AAONMS of Michigan City, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, White Shrine of Jerusalem #10, Rebekah Lodge, Avalon Grotto and BPO Elks, San Carlos Golf Club, Fort Myers, FL and 4-Lakes Country Club-Edwardsburg, MI.

He was also a member of Mercator Club and North Liberty Lion's Club. He had foresight and energy and a compassion for people. He served for 35 years in his profession never tiring of serving families. He leaves a wonderful legacy to his sons. Kent R. Palmer passed away on December 5th, 2006.

K. R. Palmer

Co-Owner

K. R. is co-owner of the Palmer Funeral Homes, Southlawn Cemetery and Palmer Pet Services. He has been part of the family business since 1984. He received his associate degree from Purdue University and mortuary science degree from Mid-American College and finished his bachelor degree from Bethel College in 2012. He is on the board of directors for the River Park Business Association. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children - Christian, Graham, and Meredith.

Kerry Palmer

Co-Owner

Kerry is the co-owner of the Palmer Funeral Homes, Southlawn Cemetery and Palmer Pet Services. He has been active in the family business since 1992 after earning a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, West Lafayette and a mortuary science degree from Worsham College. Kerry is a member of the Lakeville United Methodist Church, Lakeville Lions Club and Lakeville Masonic Lodge. He is a board member for the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair. Kerry and his wife, Sandy, have a blended family with five children - Isaac, Lucas, Simon, Casey and Carley.

Tracy Faudree

Office Manager

Tracy Faudree has served as a family service counselor and director of operations for the Palmer Funeral Homes for 30 years. He is a lifelong resident of South Bend, and he attends Trinity Evangelical Free Church, where he serves as organist, sings in the Chancel Choir, and is a Connection Group Leader. Married to his wife, Donna, for 35 years, they enjoy traveling and attending Notre Dame football and basketball games. He is a member, organist, and Past Master of St. Joseph Lodge #45, F. & AM. in South Bend.

Frank Gorny

Funeral Director

Frank was born and raised in Mishawaka graduating from Mishawaka High School in 1982 and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1986 and started working with Bubb Funeral Chapel in January of 1991 and staying with the Palmer Funeral Home after they purchased Bubb Funeral Chapel in May of 2020.

Frank and his wife Joanne live in Mishawaka are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church Mishawaka.

Frank is a member of the Knights of Columbus Ave Maria Council # 5521.

Eric VanMeter

Funeral Director

Eric Van Meter joined the Palmer Funeral Home team on June 1, 2020. Eric has been in the Funeral Business for over 20 years and is licensed in both Indiana and Michigan. He is a parishioner at St. Matthew Cathedral and is active in the Knights of Columbus. He is married to his wife, Alice and they have 3 children, including their daughter, Olivia.

Kellie Jerue

Funeral Director

Kellie joined the Palmer Funeral Home staff in 2017 as a funeral assistant before going back to school and graduating from Ivy Tech Community College with her Mortuary Science degree. Prior to coming to Palmers she worked as a medical assistant for over 15 years in the Michiana area. Kellie and her husband, Jeff live in Buchanan, MI where they raised their two boys, Jeffery (Taitum) and Brandon (Alexandra). Kellie also has four grandchildren, Cameron, Bristol, Ryder and Jersey who are the light of her life.

Ric Palmisano

Funeral Director

Ric joined the staff at Palmer Funeral Homes in April of 2012. He began his career in funeral service at the age of fourteen. He attended Andrews University and graduated from Southwestern Michigan College and Wayne State University. In 1989, Ric became a licensed funeral director in the states of Indiana and Michigan as well as Arizona in 2003. Ric resides in South Bend and enjoys running, working out at the YMCA, and spending time with family and friends. He attends Pioneer Memorial Church and the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church in Berrien Springs.

Justin M. Goodman

Funeral Director

Justin returns to Palmer Funeral Homes to proudly serve the community that he loves. He is a 2000 graduate of Penn High School where he played on the Kingsmen Football Team and Rugby Team. In 2004, Justin graduated with honors from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois, with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. Justin was selected by the faculty of Worsham College to receive the “John D. Tomczak Scholarship”, recognizing his professionalism in the funeral industry. He also was awarded the “Jack Adams” Dodge Award for receiving the highest combined scores in Embalming and Restorative Art.

Justin has one daughter, Gabriella, who attends John Young Middle School. Besides being a dad, one of his greatest joys is riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Justin is a national member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, plus a member of the local River Valley Chapter of the AMCA. Prior to his return to Palmer Funeral Homes, he was an “over-the-road” Semi-Truck Driver, driving nearly three-quarters of a million miles across America with just a road map. Justin deeply respects our Veterans, and all men and women who have paid freedom’s price. He carries with him a true American Patriotic Spirit.

Brandon Cooper

Funeral Director

Brandon joined the Palmer’s staff in July of 2021. Brandon attended Mid America College of Funeral Service and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Funeral Service Management as well as his Associate's degree in Mortuary Science. Brandon served his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has spent his adult life in emergency services; attending the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy class 2011-194 then Goshen Hospital’s Paramedic Program. He still retains his certification for law enforcement and paramedicine. Brandon is a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the FOP lodge #130.

Brandon lives in Plymouth and is married to his wife Jessica and together they have two kids; Kendall and Kamden. Brandon and Jess attend Plymouth Wesleyan Church.

Jacob Rhodes

Funeral Director

Jacob was born and raised in Milford, Indiana. He graduated from Wawasee High School and graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in 2019. Jacob enjoys lifting weights, disc golf, volleyball and spending time with his family. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Pierceton.

Mark Pittman

Funeral Director

Mark joined Palmer Funeral Homes in January of 2022. Mark is a 1994 Graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, and has served in North Carolina and Georgia, before returning to his childhood home back in South Bend. He speaks Spanish fluently, being the son of missionaries to Bolivia, South America. Mark is a proud US Navy Veteran. He is a member of Wakarusa Missionary Church. Mark and his wife Harmony live in Goshen and together have eight children, Sean, Bianca, Michael, Christina, Nathan, Isaiah, Elliot, and Lydia; and six grandchildren, Sawyer, Caio, Oliver, Owen, Gavin and Sadie whom they adore and love.

Aaron Wagers

Funeral Intern

Aaron joined the Palmer’s staff in January of 2022. Aaron graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service receiving a degree in Mortuary Science. Aaron was a career firefighter/EMT before joining the Palmer’s staff. He is still active as a part-time/volunteer firefighter/EMT for the city of Plymouth. Aaron is married to Miranda and they have two children together, daughter Adalyn Grace and son Beckham Brian. They currently reside in Plymouth.

Dave Tinsley

Funeral Director

Dave joined the staff of Palmer Funeral Homes in August of 2017. He started his career working for a small funeral home in his hometown while in high school. He then went on to graduate with honors at Vincennes University in 1988 and also received membership to the National Dean's List. Dave has been passionately serving families for 30 years in other cities including Los Angeles, California as well as Marion and Warsaw, both here in Indiana. Dave has three children, Elisa, Jayme and David; and three grandchildren, Molly, Rachel and Jacob; and loves animals, especially his cat, Charlie, and his dog, Brutus. Dave is of the Wesleyan faith and enjoys sporting events and spending time with his family.

Sequoya Elder

Funeral Intern

Sequoya joined Palmer’s staff in December of 2023, after gaining valuable experience at Rannells Funeral Home for two and half years. In 2021 he graduated with honors from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor's degree in Pre-Law then continued his academic journey at Worsham College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 2023. Outside of work, Sequoya enjoys spending time with his fiancé Faith and their Frenchie, "Charlie"; pursuing hobbies like fishing, golfing, and watching movies. His ultimate goal is to positively impact people during some of the toughest moments of their lives, aiming to be a source of comfort and guidance when they need it most.

William A. Welsheimer, Jr.

Funeral Director

Bill Welsheimer was born March 25, 1952 to Anne and Bill Welsheimer and has been a South Bend/Mishawaka resident his entire life. He is a graduate of South Bend LaSalle High School, Hanover College with a BA in Business Administration and Indiana College of Mortuary Science. Bill was employed by the Welsheimer Funeral Home, founded by his grandparents, Ruth and Arthur Welsheimer in 1941, since 1975. He met his wife of 43 years, Mary, in college, and they have two children, Drew and Holly. He was active in the running community for many years and was fortunate enough to qualify twice for the Boston Marathon. Bill is a member of First United Methodist Church of South Bend where he serves as a member of the church leadership team and Treasurer. He has also been an active board member of Hamilton Grove Retirement Community, South Bend Heritage Foundation, Center for Hospice Care and a number of other community organizations.

Norman L. Bone

Funeral Director

Norm became part of the Palmer Funeral Home Staff in April of 1999. In June of 2007 Norman retired after 37 years of serving our community as a Funeral Director. He retired to spend more time with his wife Caroline of 37 years, his daughter and son–in-law, Beth and Jay and granddaughters Katelyn and Lauren. Although he has retired, Norman still responds when called upon.

Tom Hickey, III

Funeral Director

Tom is a 1974 graduate of John Adams High school and Miami-Dade College, Miami, Florida with a Associate in Science degree in Mortuary Science. He is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Tom joined the Palmer Funeral Home after the acquisition of the Hickey Funeral Home in September 2009, which served the Michiana area over 72 years. Tom is married with 3 children, a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and an active member in Roseland Rotary Club, South Bend.

Kristi Palmer

Co-Manager Southlawn Cemetery, Monument Design Consultant, Prearrangement and After Care Counselor

Kristi received her B.S. from Purdue University in 1988. She taught special education and was also a Regional Sales Manager for in home sales until joining her brothers at the funeral homes in June of 2002. Kristi is the co-manager for Southlawn Cemetery and design consultant for all of our monument and marker sales. She also assists families with pre-arranging their funerals. She is the mother of two children, Leigha and Landon. and they attend North Liberty Church of Christ. Her direct number for Monument or Marker sales is 574-292-5923.

Shauna Luthringer

Prearrangement Specialist

Since 1993 Shauna has been listening and helping loved ones honor families lives through funeral pre arrangement relieving both an emotional as well as a financial burden. In addition to funeral pre arrangement and aftercare, Shauna is a Saging Circle Facilitator through Brainworks Memorial Hospital. She has also been involved with South Bend School Corporation’s Women with Wisdom. She is married to John and they have a daughter Vaushna, son-in-law Leo, and four grandchildren Ty, Reilly, Braxton and Avery. They are members at North Liberty Church of Christ.

Jamie Hall

Prearrangement and After Care Counselor

Jamie joined our staff at Southlawn Cemetery in January 2011. She assists families with preplanning and after care. Jamie is married to Gary and they have a daughter, Julia. She and her family attend Lakeville United Methodist Church

Lynne Panfil

Prearrangement and After Care Counselor

Wendi Scoles

Prearrangement and After Care Counselor

Wendi joined the Palmer Funeral Homes family in January 2021. She served as a Deputy Coroner in St. Joseph County for 4 years and currently is a Deputy Coroner in Elkhart County. She is married to Jason and has 3 daughters, Holli, Emily and Chloe.

Elaine Crump

Administrative Assistant

Elaine joined the Palmer Staff in March of 1999. She serves as Executive Secretary with her primary office at the River Park, South Bend location. Elaine is the heart of our administrative support team. She graduated from Anderson University in 1980 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is married to Greg; mother of Kelly and Mike; and Nana to Nellie and Eva.

Christy Brewers

Administrative Assistant

Christy Brewers joined the Palmer Funeral Home Staff in July, 2001 as a part-time secretary. She became a full-time secretary in September, 2009 with the addition of the Hickey Chapel on Cleveland Road. Christy received her B.A. from Ball State University in 1988 and relocated to Elkhart. She lives there with her husband and three sons, where they attend St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Jenn Bang

Administrative Assistant

Jenn joined the Palmer Family in July 2018, and serves as an administrative secretary at Palmer Funeral Home, Guisinger Chapel. She graduated from Manchester University in 1990 with her degree in Business Management. Jenn is married to Earl Bang; and their daughter, Devin is a sophmore at the University of Findlay.

Cindy Foley

Administrative Assistant

Cindy joined the staff of Palmer Funeral Homes in September 2018, serving as a secretary at our Welsheimer Chapel. A native of Michigan, Cindy moved to South Bend several years ago with her husband, Kerry. Prior to joining Palmer's, she worked for Erica's Sewing Center for 12 years.

Steph Kiefer

Administrative Assistant

Stephanie joined Palmer Funeral Homes in 2020 as a secretary after being a director’s assistant for Welsheimer’s Family Funeral Home since 2014. She has an associate degree from Southwestern Michigan College. She is a lifelong resident of the area and has three children and four grandchildren. Stephanie enjoys nature photography, being on the lake and get-togethers at the family cabin.

Kirsten Vanslager

Administrative Assistant

Kirsten joined the staff at Palmer Funeral Homes in October 2020, serving as a secretary at River Park Chapel after working in retail management at Meijer, Inc. Kirsten is a lifelong Michiana resident, currently living in Mishawaka. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University. She has one daughter, Paige, and three grandchildren, Jayden, Ava and Randy. Kirsten enjoys spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren.

Kim Buss

Office Administrator Southlawn Cemetery

Kim joined the Palmer family in October 2019 and serves as the office administrator at Southlawn Cemetery. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing from Indiana University in 1988. Kim spent 31 years in the credit union industry. She attends St. Jude's Church, South Bend. She enjoys Notre Dame football and girls basketball games; Cubs baseball; the outdoors; landscaping and gardening; and spending time with Grace her Old English Sheepdog.

Bettie Jackson

Funeral Assistant

Bettie joined Palmer Funeral Home in October 2015. She has one daughter Shalonda, three grandchildren Michael,Tori, and Brad. Bettie graduated from Washington High School, OIC, and she attended Ivy Tech. Bettie is a faithful member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she is the Church Financial Secretary; she is on the Board of Trustee, sings in the choir, and attends Bible Study and Sunday School. Her favororite past time is spending time with her mother, grandchildren, and family.

Tricia Longley

Administrative Assistant

Tricia joined the Palmer Funeral Home staff in March of 2022 and serves as an Administrative Secretary at Guisinger Chapel. Tricia graduated from IUSB in 1997 with an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies. Tricia is married to Rick Longley and they have one daughter, Audrey. She attends First Missionary Baptist Church in Buchanan, Michigan and in her spare time likes to attend various sporting events, loves going to the beach and spending time with her family and friends.

Barb Brown

Administrative Assistant

Barb joined Palmer Funeral Homes in July of 2022 serving as a secretary at Bubb Chapel. She has worked in the funeral business for five years. She is a member of Cornerstone Church in Mishawaka. Outside of her work, she enjoys Notre Dame anything, being outdoors, her family and friends.

Rachel Mezzei

Administrative Assistant

Rachel joined Palmer Funeral Homes in October of 2022 serving as an administrative professional at the Hickey Chapel. She is a lifelong resident of the Michiana area. She has been married to her husband Mike for 19 years and they have one son, Brayden. She is a parishioner at St. Jude Catholic Church. In her leisure time, Rachel enjoys attending her son’s sporting events, traveling, and playing with her golden doodle, Lilly.

Linda Lagodney

Adminstrative Assistant

Linda formerly worked at Holy Family Catholic School for 22 wonderful years as an Administrative Assistant. She has been married for 39 years and is blessed with three sons, one daughter, two daughters-in-law, and four Grandchildren. Linda joined Palmer Funeral Homes in November of 2022 as administrative assistant at West Chapel. She can honestly say that she loves working here with everyone and she’s found everyone to be welcoming and helpful.

Mi nombre es Linda Lagodney. Empecé a trabajar en Palmer Funeral Homes en Noviembre de 2022.  Yo Llevo casado 24 años, tengo tres hijos y una hija, dos nueras y cuatro nietos. Si tiene alguna pregunta o desea información sobre Palmer Funeral Homes, con gusto lo atenderé.

Cindy Korkhouse

Administrative Assistant

Cindy joined Palmer Funeral Homes in December of 2022 serving as a secretary at Bubb Chapel. She is a lifelong resident of the Michiana area with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. She’s a dog mom and has been fostering with a local rescue, Homeward Bound AWG, for many years. She has a servant’s heart and believes in helping her community as part of a women’s group, Tri Kappa Society and through her place of worship, Granger Community Church.

Jerry Klotz

Manager Southlawn Cremation Services

Jerry joined the Palmer Family in March of 2002. He is a member of The Nappanee Missionary Church. Jerry helps with the maintenance of Southlawn Cemetery and manages Southlawn Cremation Services and Palmer's Pet Services. Jerry and his wife Pam have two children, Hayden and Hannah.

Greg Holmes

Funeral Assistant

Greg joined Palmer Funeral Homes in August of 2017. He is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan faith. Greg and his wife Cheryl have eight children (four girls and four boys) and one granddaughter. Greg is currently the pastor of Sonlight Fellowship Wesleyan Church in South Bend.

Alex Ronan

Funeral Assistant

Alex joined the Palmer Funeral Homes family in January 2020 as a funeral assistant. He enjoys serving others and enjoys developing the family videos for our services. Alex enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, sports and music.

Christian Palmer

Funeral Assistant

Christian is no stranger to Palmer Funeral Homes. He is the son of K.R. and Betsy Palmer. He has grown up in the business and has worked through the recent summers. Christian graduated Class of 2023 from Hope College, majoring in Communications and minoring in Leadership. He is working alongside his dad, learning the family business. His enthusiasm and contribution to the staff is energetic.

Bruce Knapp

Funeral Assistant

Bruce joined Palmer Funeral Homes in 2021. Born and raised in Plymouth, IN. Married for 31 years to Amy Knapp. Three kids and three grandchildren. Graduated from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer IN. Previously worked for the City of South Bend/South Bend Tribune/RV and Mobile Home industry and Lowe’s for 7 1/2 years. Hobbies: golf/grandkids/Notre Dame basketball.

Lucas Palmer

Funeral Assistant

Lucas joined the fulltime Palmer's staff in the summer of 2021. He brings a smiling face and positive attitude to everything he does and is an asset to our team!

Craig Miller

Funeral Assistant

Craig joined Palmer Funeral Home in March of 2023. Born in Buchanan, Michigan and raised in Plymouth, Indiana, he has been a volunteer firefighter for 16 years with the City of Plymouth. Craig and his lovely wife, Schoreen Miller, have been married for 11 years. Craig has 3 children, Daren, Emma, Nick; and a wonderful granddaughter, Kennedy. He previously worked at Digger Specialties in Bremen, Indiana for 8 years. Craig’s hobbies include bowling, golf, auto racing, ND football and spending time with family and friends.

Dennis Mitschelen

Funeral Assistant

Dennis joined the Palmer family in January 2017. He faithfully serves in the funeral homes, doing whatever is needed to keep Palmer's at its best. He graduated from Anderson University in 1978 with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. He is a life-long resident of the Michiana area. Married to Linda for 34 years, they are the proud parents of Holly and Andrew. They attend South Side Church of God in South Bend, IN.

Craig Beutel

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Craig joined Palmer Funeral Homes as a part-time Funeral Assistant June 2013 after retiring from 36 years in Sales/ServiceManagement at Jamil Packaging Corp. He married Pauline (Santerre) Beutel in 1977 and they are blessed with 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild (thus far) They are members of the Vineyard Church and enjoy spending time with family and friends, travel and home improvement. I am grateful and proud to be a part of the Palmer family where I can extend their kindness to others.

Jerry Connell

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

William “Jerry” Connell joined Palmer Funeral Homes in January 2021. He attends Ironwood United Pentecostal Church. He loves God and his family. Jerry is an avid golfer and deer hunter. Jerry and his wife, Michelle have one son, Aaron and a daughter, Mindy.

Roberta Spencer

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Roberta Spencer has a Master's Degree from Jane Addams School of Social Work and certification as a pastoral minister from the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. She joined the Palmer staff with 28 years of experience with a local hospice program. She enjoys working with people and uses her knowledge about grief and loss issues to assist others. She and her husband Tom are members of Saint Anthony's Parish. They are active community volunteers with a variety of programs assisting the poor, homeless, and people with disabilities.

Judy Kelly

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Judy joined Palmer Funeral Homes in 2011 working part time as a greeter and with the Palmer Lunch and Learn Program. She is a graduate of Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital in Chicago; and before retiring enjoyed a 40 year career in nursing. She lives in Mishawaka, has twin daughters and two grandchildren. Judy loves to travel and is active in the Knute Rockne Kiwanis Club.

Alan Limerick

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Alan Limerick came to the Palmer Funeral Homes in 2010 as a part-time Funeral Assistant.

He was born in South Bend, IN, and has been a lifelong resident of North Liberty. He was a graduate of North Liberty High School, where he played trumpet in the Concert & Jazz Bands. He attended Purdue North Central in Michigan City and completed his apprenticeship in carpentry in 1977.

He worked for more than 40 years in the local commercial construction industry.

In 1972, Alan married Paula, his High School sweetheart, and they have two children and five grandchildren who keep them busy. He is an active member of North Liberty Church of Christ, and enjoys volunteering for the Rebuilding Together in South Bend, and has been a volunteer blood donor for over 40 years.

Jill Hillman

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Jill joined the Palmer Funeral Home staff in 2013 as a greeter. She is a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Jill sings in the church choir and as a solist. She is also a part of the South Bend Civic Theatre.

Pat Dempsey

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Pat has been a part of the Palmer Funeral Home family for several years. She and her husband, Chip have been been married for 50 years. They have two children Lance and Tiffany. Pat retired from Healthwin after 25 years of service as well as from Center for Hospice. Working for Palmer Funeral Home has been her way of contributing back to the community, providing an opportunity to show her compassion and caring.

Nancy Kielton

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Nancy has lived in South Bend all her life. She graduated from Central High School in 1966. After graduation she received her nursing license and worked at St. Joseph Hospital for several years. She married her husband, Dennis, in 1969. She has two daughters and five grandchildren. Nancy has been involved in aquatics all her life. Her love of the water began at Central High School. She has worked teaching swim lessons for the South Bend Recreation Department. She also has been an adaptive aquatics teacher for the South Bend Schools. Lately, in addition to her duties for Palmer Funeral Homes, she ia a sacristan and wedding coordinator for St. Matthew Cathedral. In her leisure time, Nancy enjoys her grandchildren's activities. She also enjoys decorating and gardening in her lawn.

Donnie L. Johnson

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Donnie has been a resident of South Bend, IN relocating from Elkhart, IN in 1975. He attends the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he serves as Chairman of the Deacon Board and President of the Board of Governors. He and his wife Janice have been married 40 years with three surviving sons and one daughter. They enjoy traveling and spending time with family.

He is a member and Past Master of St. Peter's Lodge #31 F.&A.M. (PHA) South Bend, IN, member and Past Worthy Patron of Odessa Chapter #28 O.E.S. South Bend, IN, member and Past Commander in Chief of Wabash Consistory #77 A.A.S.R. Masonry Valley of South Bend, IN (PHA), member and Honorary Past Potentate of Mahomet Temple #134 A.E.A.O.N.M.S., (PHA), Oasis of East Chicago, Desert of Indiana, and served as the 34th Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Jurisdiction of Indiana (PHA) 1993-1995

Donnie deems his employment with Palmer Funeral Homes as a ministry and a way to provide service back to the community.

Betsy Kelly

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Betsy joined the Palmer Group as a Greeter in 2020. Formerly with Welshiemer Funeral Home. She has lived in South Bend all her life. Graduated from Central High School and Ball State University. Married her husband Marty in 1974. They has two sons Patrick and Brian, two wonderful daugher-in-laws and five grandchildren. A member of Clay United Methodist Church. Anyone that knows Betsy will say there is no one that she doesn' t know

Hilda Hanley

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Hilda Hanley joined the Palmer Staff in March of 2020. Wife of past James Hanley that served as Funeral Director and greeter of the Palmer family for many years prior to his passing. Born in Spittal, Austria, her parents and siblings were able to come to America in 1955 with the support of the Palmer family and American Red Cross. Hilda has been working as a Human Resource Professional for the the past 30 years. She has 2 children, 2 step-children and 7 grandchildren. Hobbies include golf, exercising, being outside, cooking and baking, Also, enjoys spending time with immediate and her extended large family.

Pam Cox

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Pam joined the part-time staff at Palmer Funeral Homes in December 2021 as a Greeter. She greatly enjoys the work and considers it a ministry to serve others.

Pam is an active member of the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in South Bend. She volunteers as a greeter there, also, and does calling with the Trinity Cares Team. Her hobbies include listening to/singing Gospel Music, watching Notre Dame football and basketball, watching the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. One of her greatest enjoyments is just spending time with family and friends.

Tom White

Greeter and Funeral Assistant

Tom joined the Palmer Funeral Homes staff in February of 2022. Now retired from full time employment he especially appreciates the opportunity to provide some level of support to the people we serve during a difficult time. He attended St. Joseph High School where he met his future bride, Anne. They now are the proud parents/grandparents of 5 children and 9 grandchildren.

Tom is a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, where he earned a BS degree in Business Management and Administration. His early career was spent in information services as a programmer and programming Manager. He then spent 25 years in the sales of business supplies and bar code information systems.