Mr. H. Wayne Palmer

H. Wayne Palmer, 80 of Knoxville, passed away at 8:24 a.m. Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria with his family at his side.

He was born May 30, 1938 in Normal, IL, the son of H. Ralph and Esther (Reynolds) Palmer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lynn in 2014, his son Tim in 2005, and his sister Phyllis McDaniel in 2016.

Wayne is survived by his children, Kim (and Alex) Hernandez of San Diego, CA; Shayne Palmer of Bushnell, IL; Katy (and Cory) Whitmore of Galesburg, IL; Jessica (and Christopher) Smith of Knoxville, IL; and Cyrsten Rigg of Galesburg, IL.  Also surviving are one grandson, Cody Kent of Galesburg, IL; one brother, R. Duane (and Beverly) Palmer of The Villages, FL.; one sister, Martha Martin of Macomb, IL; and many nieces and nephews (and their families) of which he was very fond.  He leaves behind his constant and beloved companion, Scooter, as well.

He was raised in the Abingdon area and graduated from Abingdon High School in 1956 where he excelled in football, basketball, and track.  He was active in the summer baseball program and a member of the Abingdon volunteer fire department for much of his young days.  He owned and operated Palmer Sales and Service in Abingdon with his father before opening the Galesburg Machine Shop, eventually retiring in 2014 after over 40 years of business.  He enjoyed hunting, riding his motorcycle, Blue Ribbon beer, and fast cars, having sponsored several area motorcycle and car racing teams through the years.  Though, his greatest joys in life were his children.

Cremation will be accorded.  Private family service and burial of cremated remains will be held.  A celebration of Wayne’s life will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Abingdon American Legion, 546 IL Route 41 in Abingdon, and all family and friends are welcome to attend.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Galesburg Motorcycle Club, 2450 US 150, Rio, IL 61472.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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