John H. Palmer

John Howard Palmer departed this life on July 28th, 2015. He was 63 years young. John was born on June 24th, 1952 at a military hospital in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.He grew up in East Monroe, OH and later Greenfield, OH, spending a brief time in Columbus, OH before enlisting in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. John was assigned to the USS Saratoga and spent time in Europe during his tour of duty from 1970 -1972. After his time in the service was complete he returned to Columbus where he began his training to become a sprinkler fitter and joined the UA Local Union 669 on February 8th, 1979, he was a 36 year member. John was married on March 29th, 1980 to Sue Hertenstein in her hometown of Bellefontaine, OH. On their second wedding anniversary in 1982 they welcomed their first child, a daughter, and then later in February 1985, a son. In the early 1990's John and his son became involved with Shorin-ryu karate and studied at Westgate Recreation Center in Columbus, where John eventually worked his way up to the rank of black belt and became Sensei Palmer. John also enjoyed many other activities such as billiards, poker, and later in life golf. He took on the role of tutor-proctor for the JATC (Union 669) in 2001 and helped teach those entering the sprinkler fitting trade until December 2013. John also spent several years as a
volunteer usher with The Ohio State University during football season.

John is preceded in death by his beloved Grandmother Anna Lee Cowman Mann and his parents George Howard Palmer and Edna Charlene Hawkins. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Sue Ellen Palmer, his children Mary Ann Palmer and James Michael Palmer - all of Columbus Ohio, his sister Debra Palmer Kinnison of Greenfield, OH, half brothers Randall Hawkins of Elizabethtown, Kentucky and Charles Hawkins of Chillicothe, OH, step brothers Donald, Ronald and Fred Clark and stepmother Carolyn Palmer - all of Columbus, OH. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews as well.

Visitation will be held from 11AM to 1PM Saturday August 1, 2015 with a funeral service to follow at 1PM at Newcomer Funeral Home in Grove City, OH. John will be laid to rest at a later date in Green Lawn Cemetery.