Darrel Ray Palmer

Our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Darrel Ray Palmer, 89, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025. He was born on January 23, 1936, in Ogden, Utah, to Charles Rulon and Anna Belle Cummins Palmer. The oldest of 5 children, he grew up in Ogden until the age of 14, when he moved to Nampa, Idaho, to live with his grandmother.

Darrel had a deep love for his country and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in February 1953 to serve in the Korean War. After an honorable discharge from the service, he remained a proud Marine for the rest of his life and passed his love of country on to his family.

He married his sweetheart, Donna Ethel Hadley, on July 6, 1957, in Elko, Nevada. He later joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and their marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple on December 10, 1964. He was a faithful member of the West Weber 3rd Ward and later the Independence Branch at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home, where he attended services every week until his passing. He had a strong testimony and a deep love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

During his career, he worked for Wilson Inc. and Hercules Aerospace. He loved working with his hands, building and fixing things, and gardening. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking.

One of Darrel's greatest joys was his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also loved traveling, collecting things, and joking around with everyone he met.

Darrel is survived by his children, Virginia (Rick) Simnitt, Robert (Sheri) Olsen, Darla (Clay) Schmalz, Kurt (Yori) Palmer, and Troy (Kellie) Palmer; two brothers; two sisters; 16 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Palmer; his sons, Greg, Gene, and Aaron Palmer; his parents; and several great-grandchildren.

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who helped care for Darrel over the past couple of years, especially the staff at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home, the nurses from Renew Hospice, and his caring physicians.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, West Weber Cemetery.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Sempra Fi!