Billie Lowell Palmer

BURLEY – Billie Lowell Palmer passed away at his home in Burley on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at the age of 68, surrounded by his cherished family.

He was born Nov. 16, 1943, in Burley, Idaho, to Willard Lowell and Lola Marie Wardle Palmer. He attended schools in Declo, Burley, and Rupert, as his family moved around the Mini-Cassia area quite a bit. He was active in the LDS Church, after being baptized at age 17, where he served in many capacities. Following high school, Bill joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Ord in California. He was a gunner operator and was very honored to serve his country.

He married Linda Osterhout in August 1961, and they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, JoDee (Adams) and Tami (Hutchison). They later divorced and he married Veda Anell Montgomery in Yost, Utah, on April 19, 1968. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Odgen Utah LDS Temple on Feb. 18, 1975. They were blessed with three more children, Monica (Grooms), Billy, and Dustin. His children and grandchildren brought him much joy in life.

Bill worked for the J.R. Simplot Company for 33 years. He began his career there at C&Y Farms in Raft River in 1971, and worked there until C&Y closed in 2000. He and Veda moved to Mountain Home, where he continued working for Simplot at Grandview Farms and Trucking. In 2002, he retired from Simplot and he and Veda were able to return to Burley, where they truly felt at home. Bill worked for Handy Trucking until 2010, when he finally quit working due to his health.

Bill was a member of the Lions Club and also a volunteer fireman in Malta. He loved to hunt and to fish and spent many hours looking for deer with his children. He also loved to drive; whether it be a quick trip to Pomerelle or a weekend driving through Yellowstone Park. He enjoyed boating and spent a lot of time on the river playing with his family. Bill left an imprint on our hearts and he will be greatly missed by his beloved family, and friends he made throughout his life.

Bill is survived by his wife, Veda of Burley; his children, JoDee (Brian) Adams of Henefer, Utah, Tami (Brad) Hutchison of Malta, Monica Grooms of Glendale, Arizona, Billy (Amber) Palmer of Burley, and Dustin (Jamie) Palmer also of Burley; 19 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Bill was also survived by his two sisters, JoAnn Cary-Yates, and Sheryl Jordan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Darlene Matlock; and two grandchildren, Colby and Courtney Adams.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Burley LDS Stake Center, 2050 Normal Ave., with Bishop Larry Kloepfer officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Thursday at the church.