Merlin Wesley Palmer

Merlin Wesley, son of Ernest and Evelyn (Anderson) Palmer, was born August 3, 1946 in Crawford County, Iowa. He attended schools in Denison, Manilla, Schleswig and Audubon. In 1964 Wesley enlisted in the United States Army and completed his GED. He was stationed in Germany, Vietnam and Korea. Wesley was a helicopter gunner in Vietnam where he was injured in the hip. However, he was able continue in the service until his honorable discharge in 1973. During the time of his military service, Wesley was united in marriage with Joleen Bacon at the Christian Church in Panora. After returning to civilian life, he was an over-the-road trucker, visiting all of the states in the continental Unites States. In his spare time, Wesley enjoyed dancing and fishing. Due to health concerns, he retired in 2008 and returned to Manilla. Wesley had not been in good health since returning to Manilla, however maintained his own home until his unexpected death there on January 1, 2012 at the age of 65 years, 4 months, and 29 days. Preceding him in death are his parents and brother Robert Palmer. Wesley is survived by his siblings: Charlotte Cranford of Schleswig; Sharon (Lee) Steadman of Jefferson; LeRoy (Linda) Palmer of Manilla; Kyle (Toni) Palmer of Mena, Arkansas; Lyle Palmer of Grand River; Toni Michaelson of Osceola; Melvin Palmer of Jefferson and Denise (Johnny) Silvia of Fayetteville, NC; numerous nieces, nephews and friends he made while trucking. Music WESLEY'S FAVORITE RECORDED COUNTRY MUSIC Honorary Casket Bearers ALL OF WESLEY'S NIECES AND NEPHEWS