John J. Palmer, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, June 14th at St. Marys Hospital in Pierre, SD. Prayer service will be held on Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 17 at 9:00 a.m. at the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron, with Pastor Dale Sattagast officiating. Inurnment will be held on Friday, June 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. The Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard will provide full military honors. John was born in Chula, Missouri on March 5, 1924 to Omar Glenn & Sybil (Kimbrough) Palmer. He served in the US Army from June 20, 1944 to June 20, 1946 during World War II and received an honorable discharge. John was very proud of his service to our county during World War II. John enjoyed his gardening and his daily coffee with the boys. He always had a good story, memory, or joke to share that would bring a smile. He thoroughly enjoyed children of all ages and quickly earned the title of Pops by all who grew to love him. Johns best times were spent with family and friends, laughing and joking with a good meal shared by all. John will be missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. Survivors include his wife Betty and 5 children Linda Brooks (Jim) of Pierre, John Alan (Karen) of Pierre, Jackie Vail (Ron) of Broomfield, CO, Gregory (Denise) of Rapid City, and Melissa Missy Hunter (Ty) of Huron, 2 step daughters-in-law, Shelly and Elisa Gilmore both of Portland, OR, 3 brothers Nova (Irene) of Miller, Gerald (Laverty) of Miler, and Ken (Alma) of Bullhead, AZ, 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, several in-laws, nephews, nieces, and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, two stepsons, three sisters, three brothers, and two sisters-in-law. Arrangements have been entrusted with Carlsen & Aldinger of Sturgis, SD.