Dennis Robert PALMER
JANUARY 13, 1938 – DECEMBER 25, 2021
IN THE CARE OF
Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home
Dennis Robert Palmer was born on January 13, 1938 in San Jose, CA.
He passed away, suddenly, in Fresno, CA on Christmas Day 2021.
He grew up in Willow Glen and graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1955. At the age of 10, he taught himself how to play golf. He bought golf instructional books, headed to the driving range, and practiced. Like many other high school boys, he showed talent in many areas of sports. As a 9th grader, he was pitcher on the high school baseball team, quarterback of the football team, but soon the passion of golf took priority over other sports. It wasn't long before he was competing in junior tournaments, up and down CA winning trophies. He dazzled good golfers that wanted a challenge, including the older golfers from his parent's country club in southern California. He played Gene Kelly, Randolph Scott, Bob Crosby, other celebrities and more serious golfers also. He was a scratch handicap.
He received a golf scholarship from Cal Poly playing on the golf team and teaching golf classes. After an accident and hospital stay, he returned to San Jose State University and completed his education, graduating with a BS in Business.
His second passion was cars. After service in the army at Indian Head, MD [as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician] he returned to CA and was hired by General Motors, Chevrolet Division and off to Denver, CO he went.
This is where he met Nancy, the love of his life. They married in 1964 on Thanksgiving weekend in Minneapolis, MN after a blizzard of crisp white snow, a beautiful blue sky and a -4 degree temperature.
After training in the wholesale business in Denver, there were many districts and promotions. In Dodge City KS, Susan was born and Kristie, also. Three years later, there were moves to Bartlesville, OK, the Bay Area of San Ramon and Houston, where Michele was born. It was in 1972, Dennis was one of the golden boys, who went to work for Chevway calling on Chevrolet dealers instructing the managers on the new concept of leasing. With his expertise in leasing, he was hired for that position in Beaumont, TX working for a Mercedes/Chevrolet dealership. But his dream was fulfilled as the general manager and buy in at Slavich Bros Mercedes/Jeep in Fresno, CA in 1982. After the dealership was sold, he took up a second career, receiving his SEC, working for AG Edwards until his retirement.
Raising a family and involvement in the Church were important to him. It was in Dodge City, KS that Dennis decided to join Nancy in the Catholic Church. Volunteer, work and living his faith through the years included giving Marriage Encounter weekends in Houston, TX, heading up Evenings for Engaged Encounter, and a part of the Family Life Team in Beaumont, TX.
Dennis was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for 25 years along with Nancy.
Dennis was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, the biggest cheerleader of his daughters' and grandchildrens' sports, performances and events, always looking forward to the next one. Family life was filled with vacations, weekends and friends.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite and Robert Palmer, his uncle Bill, his Aunt Rose, and his grandmother, Mary Rhind.
Dennis is deeply missed by his wife, Nancy, of 57 years, his three daughters; Susan Kavanagh and her husband, John; Kristie Wiest, and her husband, Aaron; Michele Johnson, and her husband, Toby, and three grandchildren, Samantha, Jack and Bode. He will also be missed by his cousin, Bob and his wife, Nancy and many friends and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association or Catholic Charities,
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Spirit, 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730, Friday, January 14, 2022 - 10:0 AM
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the PALMER family.
JANUARY 13, 1938 – DECEMBER 25, 2021
IN THE CARE OF
Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home
Dennis Robert Palmer was born on January 13, 1938 in San Jose, CA.
He passed away, suddenly, in Fresno, CA on Christmas Day 2021.
He grew up in Willow Glen and graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1955. At the age of 10, he taught himself how to play golf. He bought golf instructional books, headed to the driving range, and practiced. Like many other high school boys, he showed talent in many areas of sports. As a 9th grader, he was pitcher on the high school baseball team, quarterback of the football team, but soon the passion of golf took priority over other sports. It wasn't long before he was competing in junior tournaments, up and down CA winning trophies. He dazzled good golfers that wanted a challenge, including the older golfers from his parent's country club in southern California. He played Gene Kelly, Randolph Scott, Bob Crosby, other celebrities and more serious golfers also. He was a scratch handicap.
He received a golf scholarship from Cal Poly playing on the golf team and teaching golf classes. After an accident and hospital stay, he returned to San Jose State University and completed his education, graduating with a BS in Business.
His second passion was cars. After service in the army at Indian Head, MD [as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician] he returned to CA and was hired by General Motors, Chevrolet Division and off to Denver, CO he went.
This is where he met Nancy, the love of his life. They married in 1964 on Thanksgiving weekend in Minneapolis, MN after a blizzard of crisp white snow, a beautiful blue sky and a -4 degree temperature.
After training in the wholesale business in Denver, there were many districts and promotions. In Dodge City KS, Susan was born and Kristie, also. Three years later, there were moves to Bartlesville, OK, the Bay Area of San Ramon and Houston, where Michele was born. It was in 1972, Dennis was one of the golden boys, who went to work for Chevway calling on Chevrolet dealers instructing the managers on the new concept of leasing. With his expertise in leasing, he was hired for that position in Beaumont, TX working for a Mercedes/Chevrolet dealership. But his dream was fulfilled as the general manager and buy in at Slavich Bros Mercedes/Jeep in Fresno, CA in 1982. After the dealership was sold, he took up a second career, receiving his SEC, working for AG Edwards until his retirement.
Raising a family and involvement in the Church were important to him. It was in Dodge City, KS that Dennis decided to join Nancy in the Catholic Church. Volunteer, work and living his faith through the years included giving Marriage Encounter weekends in Houston, TX, heading up Evenings for Engaged Encounter, and a part of the Family Life Team in Beaumont, TX.
Dennis was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for 25 years along with Nancy.
Dennis was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, the biggest cheerleader of his daughters' and grandchildrens' sports, performances and events, always looking forward to the next one. Family life was filled with vacations, weekends and friends.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite and Robert Palmer, his uncle Bill, his Aunt Rose, and his grandmother, Mary Rhind.
Dennis is deeply missed by his wife, Nancy, of 57 years, his three daughters; Susan Kavanagh and her husband, John; Kristie Wiest, and her husband, Aaron; Michele Johnson, and her husband, Toby, and three grandchildren, Samantha, Jack and Bode. He will also be missed by his cousin, Bob and his wife, Nancy and many friends and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association or Catholic Charities,
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Spirit, 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730, Friday, January 14, 2022 - 10:0 AM
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the PALMER family.
Dennis Robert PALMER
JANUARY 13, 1938 – DECEMBER 25, 2021
IN THE CARE OF
Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home
Dennis Robert Palmer was born on January 13, 1938 in San Jose, CA.
He passed away, suddenly, in Fresno, CA on Christmas Day 2021.
He grew up in Willow Glen and graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1955. At the age of 10, he taught himself how to play golf. He bought golf instructional books, headed to the driving range, and practiced. Like many other high school boys, he showed talent in many areas of sports. As a 9th grader, he was pitcher on the high school baseball team, quarterback of the football team, but soon the passion of golf took priority over other sports. It wasn't long before he was competing in junior tournaments, up and down CA winning trophies. He dazzled good golfers that wanted a challenge, including the older golfers from his parent's country club in southern California. He played Gene Kelly, Randolph Scott, Bob Crosby, other celebrities and more serious golfers also. He was a scratch handicap.
He received a golf scholarship from Cal Poly playing on the golf team and teaching golf classes. After an accident and hospital stay, he returned to San Jose State University and completed his education, graduating with a BS in Business.
His second passion was cars. After service in the army at Indian Head, MD [as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician] he returned to CA and was hired by General Motors, Chevrolet Division and off to Denver, CO he went.
This is where he met Nancy, the love of his life. They married in 1964 on Thanksgiving weekend in Minneapolis, MN after a blizzard of crisp white snow, a beautiful blue sky and a -4 degree temperature.
After training in the wholesale business in Denver, there were many districts and promotions. In Dodge City KS, Susan was born and Kristie, also. Three years later, there were moves to Bartlesville, OK, the Bay Area of San Ramon and Houston, where Michele was born. It was in 1972, Dennis was one of the golden boys, who went to work for Chevway calling on Chevrolet dealers instructing the managers on the new concept of leasing. With his expertise in leasing, he was hired for that position in Beaumont, TX working for a Mercedes/Chevrolet dealership. But his dream was fulfilled as the general manager and buy in at Slavich Bros Mercedes/Jeep in Fresno, CA in 1982. After the dealership was sold, he took up a second career, receiving his SEC, working for AG Edwards until his retirement.
Raising a family and involvement in the Church were important to him. It was in Dodge City, KS that Dennis decided to join Nancy in the Catholic Church. Volunteer, work and living his faith through the years included giving Marriage Encounter weekends in Houston, TX, heading up Evenings for Engaged Encounter, and a part of the Family Life Team in Beaumont, TX.
Dennis was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for 25 years along with Nancy.
Dennis was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, the biggest cheerleader of his daughters' and grandchildrens' sports, performances and events, always looking forward to the next one. Family life was filled with vacations, weekends and friends.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite and Robert Palmer, his uncle Bill, his Aunt Rose, and his grandmother, Mary Rhind.
Dennis is deeply missed by his wife, Nancy, of 57 years, his three daughters; Susan Kavanagh and her husband, John; Kristie Wiest, and her husband, Aaron; Michele Johnson, and her husband, Toby, and three grandchildren, Samantha, Jack and Bode. He will also be missed by his cousin, Bob and his wife, Nancy and many friends and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association or Catholic Charities,
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Spirit, 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730, Friday, January 14, 2022 - 10:0 AM
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the PALMER family.
JANUARY 13, 1938 – DECEMBER 25, 2021
IN THE CARE OF
Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home
Dennis Robert Palmer was born on January 13, 1938 in San Jose, CA.
He passed away, suddenly, in Fresno, CA on Christmas Day 2021.
He grew up in Willow Glen and graduated from Willow Glen High School in 1955. At the age of 10, he taught himself how to play golf. He bought golf instructional books, headed to the driving range, and practiced. Like many other high school boys, he showed talent in many areas of sports. As a 9th grader, he was pitcher on the high school baseball team, quarterback of the football team, but soon the passion of golf took priority over other sports. It wasn't long before he was competing in junior tournaments, up and down CA winning trophies. He dazzled good golfers that wanted a challenge, including the older golfers from his parent's country club in southern California. He played Gene Kelly, Randolph Scott, Bob Crosby, other celebrities and more serious golfers also. He was a scratch handicap.
He received a golf scholarship from Cal Poly playing on the golf team and teaching golf classes. After an accident and hospital stay, he returned to San Jose State University and completed his education, graduating with a BS in Business.
His second passion was cars. After service in the army at Indian Head, MD [as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician] he returned to CA and was hired by General Motors, Chevrolet Division and off to Denver, CO he went.
This is where he met Nancy, the love of his life. They married in 1964 on Thanksgiving weekend in Minneapolis, MN after a blizzard of crisp white snow, a beautiful blue sky and a -4 degree temperature.
After training in the wholesale business in Denver, there were many districts and promotions. In Dodge City KS, Susan was born and Kristie, also. Three years later, there were moves to Bartlesville, OK, the Bay Area of San Ramon and Houston, where Michele was born. It was in 1972, Dennis was one of the golden boys, who went to work for Chevway calling on Chevrolet dealers instructing the managers on the new concept of leasing. With his expertise in leasing, he was hired for that position in Beaumont, TX working for a Mercedes/Chevrolet dealership. But his dream was fulfilled as the general manager and buy in at Slavich Bros Mercedes/Jeep in Fresno, CA in 1982. After the dealership was sold, he took up a second career, receiving his SEC, working for AG Edwards until his retirement.
Raising a family and involvement in the Church were important to him. It was in Dodge City, KS that Dennis decided to join Nancy in the Catholic Church. Volunteer, work and living his faith through the years included giving Marriage Encounter weekends in Houston, TX, heading up Evenings for Engaged Encounter, and a part of the Family Life Team in Beaumont, TX.
Dennis was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for 25 years along with Nancy.
Dennis was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, the biggest cheerleader of his daughters' and grandchildrens' sports, performances and events, always looking forward to the next one. Family life was filled with vacations, weekends and friends.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite and Robert Palmer, his uncle Bill, his Aunt Rose, and his grandmother, Mary Rhind.
Dennis is deeply missed by his wife, Nancy, of 57 years, his three daughters; Susan Kavanagh and her husband, John; Kristie Wiest, and her husband, Aaron; Michele Johnson, and her husband, Toby, and three grandchildren, Samantha, Jack and Bode. He will also be missed by his cousin, Bob and his wife, Nancy and many friends and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association or Catholic Charities,
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Spirit, 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730, Friday, January 14, 2022 - 10:0 AM
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the PALMER family.
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