Eugene D. Palmer, Sr., 72, of Bluffton, passed away Saturday evening, Apr. 15, 2017, at Bluffton Regional Medical Center.

Born in Ripley County, IN, on Sept. 28, 1944, to George Leo and Maebelle (Thomas) Palmer, he married Darlene Mann on Sept. 13, 1968; she preceded him in death in Sept. of 1995.  Eugene then married Mary (Hamrick) Harms in Van Wert, OH, on Feb. 14, 1997; she survives.

Eugene graduated from New Marian High School, and later enlisted in the US Army in1966, serving in Germany and Vietnam during the Vietnam War, until his honorable discharge in 1969. He was a long-time member of the Disabled American Veterans.

For over 37 years Eugene worked in the wire mill at General Electric, retiring in 2006.  During that time he was a dedicated union steward, and even continued to remain a member of the union during his retirement years.  He enjoyed remodeling houses and spending time at Hardees with his friends, but most of all enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, even becoming the legal guardian of his granddaughter, Larinda Harms.

In addition to his wife, Eugene is survived by three sons, Kenny Hawkins of Decatur, Greg Palmer of Bluffton, and Eugene "Dave" (Cheryl) Palmer Jr. of Fishers; five daughters, Beth (Kenneth) West of Bluffton, Laurissa (Mark) Sauers of Bluffton, Jackie (Scott) Kinsey of Ossian, Angela Palmer Phillips of Plainfield; and Holly Harms (companion Jeremy Day) of Bluffton; a brother, Kenny (Brenda) Palmer of Manilla, IN; a sister, Edna; 26 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.

Aside from his parents and first wife, Eugene was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Palmer; nine brothers, Harry, Glenn, Earl, Francis, Lester, Stevie, Melvin, Leroy, and Allen Palmer; and three deceased sisters, Maydean, Marie, and Mary.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2017, from 3:00 until 8:00 PM at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel.  Services will be held on Thursday, Apr. 20, 2017, at 10:30 AM, at the funeral home, with one hour of visitation prior to the service.  Rev. Clark Stoller will officiate.  Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Geneva, IN, with military graveside rites provided by the United States Army in conjunction with the American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton.

Memorial contributions in memory of Eugene may be given to Disabled American Veterans.