Larry Richard Palmer, 85, of Galesburg, died at 1:33 a.m. Sunday, September 6, 2026, at home surrounded by family.
He was born May 3, 1941, in Galesburg, the son of Dale Richard and Caroline Beth (Clark) Palmer. He married Donna Louise Nichols on April 28, 1962, in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on October 15, 2023, after more than 61 years of marriage.
He is survived by two sons, Timothy (and Lori) Palmer of Knoxville and Paul Palmer (and Tina) of Peoria; two daughters, Kimberly (and John) Inness of Summerville, South Carolina and Carolyn Landon of Galesburg; nine grandchildren, Tiffany Leffler, Whitney (and Kevin) Zmijewski, Mike Huston, Jake (Delsha) Inness, Andrew Palmer, Morgan Palmer, Dylan Landon, Bryce Palmer, and Kaylee Palmer; seven great grandchildren, Izabella, Palmer Mae, Weston, Hayden, Mallory, Makenzie, and Marcy, with two more on the way; and a sister, Judy Hennenfent of Knoxville. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Nicole Palmer; and a sister, Cheryl Sprinkle.
Larry was a glazier with Painters Allied Trades Local 30 from the age of 17 until his retirement on September 1, 2001. A majority of his career was spent working at Galesburg Glass Company. Larry was a 1959 graduate of Galesburg High School. He was a member of the First Christian Church and a past member of Elks Lodge 894. When not working, Larry enjoyed stained glass, woodworking, restoring tractors and old cars, operating his HAM Radio, and golfing. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. Most importantly, Larry enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
Visitation will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services. The funeral will begin at 2:30 p.m. with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
