Dale Sherman Palmer, 85, went to be with the Lord peacefully at his home in Bardsdale, on Friday, March 9, 2018 embraced by his children.
Dale was born on Oct. 21, 1932 in Oxnard, Ca. to Graham B. and Beulah Moehl Palmer, and raised on the family farm in Bardsdale. He ran track and played football for Fillmore High. He continued his education studying agriculture and running track at Cal Poly Pomona. In 1952, Dale married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Gathright. With time and love, they welcomed 3 children, Janet, Susan, and Donald. He continued to work and tend the family farm and was the manager of Fillmore Irrigation Company for 32 years. 42 years of his life were spent wearing out 3 tractor loaders cleaning up floods, moving dirt, and clearing citrus groves.
Dale’s work was a representation of who he was and he loved what he did. In addition to working, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, tennis, camping, water skiing, fishing and later the luxury of cruising the world; as long as he was surrounded by the ones he loved, he did it all. He was an active and dedicated life member of the Fillmore Lions Club and involved with Fillmore Little League for over 40 years, coaching or umpiring.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ann, son-in-law John Foy, and brother Roger Palmer. He is survived by his sister-in-law Roberta Palmer, children Janet Foy, Susan & Keith McLain and Donald & Susan Palmer, grandchildren Jason & Carrie Foy, Jodie & Patrick Sewell, Vanessa & Jason Palmer, Tim & Jenn McLain, Daniel & Alex Davis, Daniel Palmer, Michelle Davis and Greg Palmer, along with 13 great grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, March 17th, 2 pm at Faith Community Church, 355 D St., Fillmore. Followed by a reception barbeque at Elkins Ranch golf course at 3:15. Burial is Friday the 16th, 2pm at Bardsdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Dale’s name to Fillmore Lions Club. PO Box 632 Fillmore, CA 93016.
Of all the things to say about Dale Palmer, we’ll never know if his work was truly work or play, but to his last days on this earth, he was out there on that tractor, doing what he loved.
For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family’s online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Dale’s name located below “Recent Obituaries”.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated ROBERT REY GARCIA JR FUNERAL SERVICES, Santa Paula, CA 93060. 805.229.7054