Neldon Jay Palmer

Neldon J. Palmer, age 85, died October 1, 2016, at his home in Aberdeen, Idaho after a lingering illness.  Neldon is survived by his wife, Jean, and children Rick (Julie) Palmer, Debbie (Paul) Behrend, and Cori Rogers, sisters Donna (Ellis) Welch, Karen (Verl) King, Denise  (Dave) Dancliff,  Jackie (Bill) Terry  and is preceded in death by his brother, Ferrell (Lucille) Palmer.  Neldon was born on September 30, 1931 in Aberdeen, Idaho to parents John and Nellie Palmer.  He graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1949 where he excelled in sports.  In 1950 he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Holt, and on March 28, 1964 their marriage was sealed for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple.  Neldon worked with his brother Ferrell on their father’s farm.  Neldon loved farming.  He worked from dawn to dusk every day and loved every minute of preparing the ground, planting the seeds, irrigating and harvesting the crops.  He loved and cared for horses, cattle and his dogs.  His three children remember him as a kind, honest, generous, caring, and hard-working father.  He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings and positions during his lifetime.  He served his neighbors and family and was always there to help in need.  He loved his grandchildren, Nic (Kristin) Behrend, Kurt (Kim) Palmer, Jennecca (Greg) Knittel, Karisti (Jed) Gardner, Konan (Wendy) Palmer, Brad (Ana) Rogers, Alison Rogers and Melissa Palmer (deceased).  Neldon also was blessed with 20 great-grandchildren.  A viewing is scheduled for Thursday, October 6, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Davis-Rose Mortuary in American Falls, Idaho.  A graveside service will be held Friday, October 7, at 11:00 AM at the Aberdeen Cemetery with a luncheon to be served after at the LDS church in Aberdeen by the Aberdeen First Ward Relief Society.  The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers at Heritage Hospice for their excellent care of Neldon, especially Dr. Mills, JoAnne, Sandy, Patty, Michael, and Ben from Snell’s pharmacy shop.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heritage Hospice, the Aberdeen Senior Citizen Center, or a charity of your choice.