Joe Elbert Palmer

Carterville- Joe Elbert Palmer, age 88, of Carterville, passed away peacefully at 9:43am on Friday, June 3, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Carterville. Joe was born in DeSoto on August 15, 1927, the son of William Virgil and Mary Edith (Vaughn) Palmer.  He married Dora Catherine Bayles on February 26, 1949 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin.  She survives. Mr. Palmer was a member of the Herrin First Baptist Church. He enjoyed reading scripture every morning with his wife, Dora. Joe was honorably discharged from the United States Navy after proudly serving during World War II. He loved his God, his family, and his country. Joe retired from Maytag in Herrin. Survivors include his wife- Dora Palmer of Carterville Son- Joseph Anthony (Susan) Palmer of Carterville Son- Richard Allen (Janet) Palmer of Tunnell Hill Daughter- Catherine Louise Wilkins of Lake of Egypt Daughter- Mary Ann (Terry) Troutman of Marion Son- David Lee (Georgette) Palmer of Arnold, MO Daughter- Monica Lynn (Rev. Jeff) Pflug of Madison, IN Son- Judge Phillip Gerard Palmer, Sr. of Carterville Daughter- Rita Collette (Michael) Arnold of Herrin Daughter- Brenda Jean (Dr. Mark, Jr.) Murfin of Vernon, IL Daughter- Carol Yvonne (Michael Richard) Jones of Roswell, GA Twenty-Five Grandchildren Eighteen Great Grandchildren Brother- Curtis E. (Wanda) Palmer of Marion Sister- Dolly Blankenship of Marion Sister- Dorothy Parker of Colorado Springs, CO Sister- Chlodean Parks of Melbourne, FL He was preceded in death by his parents, brother- Richard Palmer, brother- Laverne Palmer, brother- James Palmer, sister- Betty Stephens, daughter-in-law- Bonnie (Fisher) Palmer, and his son-in-law- Carl Eugene Wilkins. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at the Herrin First Baptist Church with Rev. Courtney Hill officiating.  Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Monday, June 6, 2016 at the Herrin First Baptist Church.  Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is assisting the family with final arrangements. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Herrin First Baptist Church or the Shriner’s Children Hospital. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13^th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com