Gary W. Palmer, 61, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2015 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Evansville.
Born in England March 19, 1954, Gary was a 1972 graduate of Tell City High School. After high school he attended Bailey Technical Institute, obtaining a degree in diesel mechanics and going to work for Ruxer's in Jasper as a mechanic. After a sledding accident in 1974 that left him a paraplegic, Gary opened and operated Gary's Starter and Alternator Shop. Later selling the shop, Gary decided to return to college and attended USI, earning a Bachelors of Science degree in education in 1986. After graduating he worked at The Rehabilitation Center in Evansville. Gary retired in March of 2011 as office manager of Southern Indiana Power.
Having his disability did not slow Gary down. He was an avid duck hunter and enjoyed deer hunting and turkey hunting. Living on the Ohio River, he enjoyed boating with friends and fishing. Gary had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. He was a member of the band Cross Country for several years where he was the lead vocalist and played the steel guitar.
On July 30, 1985 Gary was married to Connie (Kincaid).
Being a lifelong resident of Troy, Gary took pride in his small town, always working to make it a better community for his neighbors. He was the founding member of the Troy Jaycees and currently was president of the Troy Town Board and a member of Perry County Development Commission.
A people person, Gary always carried a kind thought, a positive attitude and saw the good in everyone. He enjoyed helping people, especially with computers, another hobby he had.
Surviving is his wife, Connie (Kincaid) Palmer of Troy; his mother, Cora May "Corky" (Doyle) Palmer of Troy; a brother, Denny (Kim) Palmer of Chrisney.
He is preceded in death by his father, Richard.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM CST on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home. Rev. Bill Reid will officiate. Burial will follow in Troy Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 3:00-8:00 PM and Tuesday 9:00-11:00AM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Troy Cemetery Fund.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Gary Palmer, please visit our floral store.