Van Palmer

Kenneth Van Palmer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, died June 13, 2020 at his daughter’s home in Mesa Arizona.  He was born Jan 5, 1931 in Taylor Arizona. He was the 10^th of 11 children born to Arthur Palmer and Evaline Augusta Gibbons.

He married his lifelong love, Susie Joy Button, in the St George temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 21, 1953.

Van attended Northern Arizona University where he was the first ever campus policeman and received Bachelors, Masters, and educational administrative degrees.

As a young man he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission. After retiring he and Joy served a mission together at the San Marcos University Institute of Religion.

He is survived by his wife Joy & his children: David (Peggy) Palmer, Susan Jenkins, Tammie (Duane) Burt, Melodie (John[deceased]) Burbank, and Randy Kent (Barbara) Palmer.  He also had many Grandchildren with a total posterity of over 100.

He showed his love for Heavenly Father and his fellowmen by a life of service to his church and community.  His love of youth was reflected in many years as a Teacher, Principal, Coach, and Referee.

A Public Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM,  Friday, June 19, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 830 E. Lehi Rd., Mesa, AZ 85203. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions attendance at the funeral will be by invitation only. To view the funeral service online please view this link at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 20th:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC__Zal6MRW7lqsPHGR_bQfA/live

Interment will be at the Mesa City Cemetery.