Van Palmer Obituary (1935 - 2018)

Van Robert Palmer age 82, passed away peacefully on January 8th 2018 at his home in Tooele, Utah from complications due to cancer. Van was born July 11th 1935 to Van Barrus Palmer and Laura Mae Wilson Palmer in Tooele, Utah. He was raised in Grantsville by his Grandmother Emma Catherine Barrus Palmer. Van joined the Air Force in 1953 and proudly served through 1957. He married Gloria Ann Workman on February 9th, 1959. Together they raised two children Mitchell (Janell) Palmer, and Laura (Chip) Fuller. They later divorced and on November 10th, 1982 he married Theo Ann Conder Clingman. Van instantly became an amazing Step-Dad to her five children Terri (Fred) Martinez, Debra (Lester) Pendleton, Charles (Jana) Clingman, Laura Olsen, (Aaron Alberts), and Mark, (Suzanne) Clingman. In 1972 Van received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mathematics from BYU. Van worked on the flight simulator at NASA and knew many Astronauts while living in Texas. That is when he became a lifelong, devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. He retired from Sperry Univac (Unisys) after 25 years of dedicated service. Van was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. On October 27, 2005 he and Theo’s marriage was sealed in the Bountiful Temple. Though they met later in life than most couples they were fortunate to share 35 wonderful years together. Van loved anything outdoors, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, motor cycles and especially golf. The two of them loved to travel and made many treasured memories with children and grandchildren. Once retired they spent winters in the warmer weather of Arizona – first with motor homes and then a home in Yuma. Van is survived by his wife Theo, their 7 children, 18 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kay Palmer, his sister Elaine Johnson, daughter-in-law Janell, and great-grandson Kaden. Funeral Services will be held Friday January 12th, at 11:00 am at the Tooele 19th Ward, 1030 South 900 West. Viewing to be held 9:30-10:45 prior to the Funeral. Interment Grantsville City Cemetery. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Van Robert Palmer please visit our Sympathy Store.