Obituary of Mahlon Richard Palmer

I, Mahlon Richard Palmer, 85, died September 24, 2022, as a result of complications from Alzheimer’s.  Therefore, I would like to take this final opportunity to wish all of my family, friends and acquaintances a fond farewell.

I was born the fourth son; Cecil, Roy and Ronald preceding me, of Merle W. Palmer and Jewell Jordan Palmer in an Oneonta, NY hospital on November 4, 1936.  My childhood and formative years were spent on the family farm in Meridale, NY where I went to Meridale Public School through the eighth grade and graduated from Franklin Central High School in 1954.

Following high school in 1954 I joined the United States Air Force, spending four years following my dreams in the Air Weather Service, during which time I met and married Joy Ann Blood in 1957.  We were married for thirty-five years when Joy Ann died of cancer in 1993.  Following her death, I met Barbara Putt who became by life-long companion, traveling partner and confidant.

For a young man having grown up on a rural family farm with no college education, I have been an extremely fortunate individual, having traveled extensively, visiting and photographing all of the major National Parks in North America, witnessing many exciting and unusual events, even had a few significant successes along the way, and yes, also had a failure or two.  I will not discuss my successes and failures here, as those who have known me are already aware, and to the others, they are unimportant.

As I depart this world I leave behind my dear friend and companion Barbara, along with my family, friends and acquaintances, as well as my pets, both cats and dogs.  If there is truly life after death as many believe, I will be meeting some of you on the other side, one side or the other; therefore, until we meet again may you all have a bon voyage.

In accordance with my wishes, there will be no calling hours, funeral, or services of any kind, just happiness that I have completed “the race”.

Please consider donations to The Canine Program at Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Rd, Chittenango, NY 13037 or Clearpath4vets.com.

Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Clinton, NY.