Martin G. Palmer

Martin G. Palmer of Punxsutawney, Pa., died on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh at the age of 78.

Born on September 19, 1937, in Punxsutawney, he was the son of the late Joseph A. Palmer Sr. and Christina V. Pape.

Martin attended Punxsutawney High School. He was married to Margret (Patty) Rhea on December 9, 1961, at Gilgal Presbyterian Church in Marion Center, Pa. Martin was employed as an auto mechanic for many years at different places. He was a veteran serving in the US Army and the US Army Reserves. He became a full-time civilian employee for the US Army Reserves working as a radio technician. He was also chief engineer at two local Punxsutawney radio stations, WPXE and Cool 103.3. He was also self-employed at Palmer’s Radio Service, working there until he became ill.

He was a member of Gilgal Presbyterian Church. Martin was also a life member and former fire chief with the Oliver Twp. Vol. Fire Company. He was a former member of the Elk Run Fire Dept., Lions Club in Punxsutawney, and Burger King Coffee Club. Martin was a jokester and enjoyed gun collecting, old radios, radio controlled airplanes and model trains.

Martin is survived by three sons: Martin J. Palmer of Oliveburg, Randon S. “Theresa” Palmer or Curllsville/Sligo area, and Shawn P. Palmer of Punxsutawney. Also surviving are two sisters; Lucille Parry of Columbus, OH, Francis Barr of Montoursville, Pa. and six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Martin is preceded in death by a brother, Joseph A. Palmer Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at 3 p.m. at the Oliver Township Volunteer Fire Company on Route 36 in Markton, Pa. with Pastor Robert Bish and Pastor John Swonger officiating.

The family requests memorials be made to the Oliver Twp. Volunteer Fire Company.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Furlong Funereal Home, 50 Broad St., Summerville, Pa.