David “DP” Palmer, Sr. was born on February 25, 1958 to Paul and Viola Palmer. He passed away after a long courageous battle on March 28, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
He was a loving and dedicated husband, dad, grandpa, brother, son, uncle, nephew and friend. He worked faithfully for Nielson Construction; never missing a day for 38 years.
He met the love of his life, Shella in October of 1987. He instantly fell in love with her and her two babies, and made them a family three weeks later. DP and Shella created a beautiful life, adding five more babies to make their family complete. He taught the boys how to be men, the girls how to be treated, and no sacrifice was too big if it benefited his family. His wife, kids, and grandkids were his heart and soul.
DP was the proudest grandpa and had a special bond with each of his grandkids. He taught them all about the “country boy” life, to smell the flowers, how to turn every truck ride into a party, to be the best hunters, and to treat everyone like they mattered.
DP was a man of many skills. He could fix anything, help anyone, and always offered the best advice. He was often working on a project, and if it was carpentry, he was comparable to Tim the Tool Man Taylor. He lived to serve others, and his help always extended further than his arm could reach. He was a prankster by nature and knew how to take a joke. He made a friend out of anyone that crossed his path and could turn any frown upside down.
DP was a mountain man his entire life. No canyon was too steep, no hike was too long, and his favorite days were spent outside with his people. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. All of his vacations were centered around it. He raised pheasants so impressive, people traveled from all over the country to get their hands on them. He spent countless hours taking his kids and grandkids on hunting trips, drives to look for sheds, and sharing all his favorite memories. He loved all his hunting buddies.
DP was a green thumb and grew one of the best gardens in Emery County; in such abundance it benefited the community.
If DP was not outside or tinkering in his shop, you could always find him sitting on the couch drinking Dr. Pepper out of his big gulp watching sports or hunting shows on his TV.
Survived by his sweetheart, Shella; and their children, Candy (Nathan, Amber, Cameron, Sarra, Derick), Angel (Heston, Easton, Kelton, Payton), Elida (Dustin, Deegan, Rylee, Kenzlee), David Palmer, Jr. (Karrie), Rebecca (Degan-Aaron), Sara (Dan, Nick, Heath, Braxton), and Alicia “Tiny” (Swayze, Parker, Lincoln).
Preceded in death by his mother, Viola; father, Paul; baby brother, Bobby; and his beloved hunting dogs, Chester and Daisy.
“A deer, a doe, a female deer, rain, a drop of golden bucks.”
Funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m., Huntington Stake Center (240 North Main Street, Huntington, Utah). The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday morning from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to the service both at the church in Huntington. Burial will follow in the Huntington City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of David online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net