Donald Stephen Palmer Sr April 25, 1929 December 11, 2015 ~Donald Stephen Palmer Sr., 86, died December 11, 2015 in Portland, after a long battle with cancer. He was born April 25, 1929 in Portland, the son of the late Karl V. And Helen R (Harlow) Palmer. ~~~Donald graduated from Deering High School in Portland. After graduation he enlisted in the U. S. Army and served during the Korean War. Upon completing his enlistment he graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. It was during his time at Wentworth that he met his future wife, Mary E. Tetrault. They celebrated 62 years of marriage on October 17th of this year. Donald worked in the heavy equipment industry as a sales and service consultant. Upon retirement, he worked at Pape Chevrolet, Inc. part time as a shuttle driver. He was a loyal member of the BPOE Elks here in Portland and at one time served as their Exalted Ruler. Don was happiest when he was spending summers at the family camp on Bonney Eagle Pond. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life. He also enjoyed water skiing, boating, sailing (when there was enough wind) and traveling to Florida every spring with his entire family. ~~~~In addition to his parents, he was pre deceased by his son, Donald S Palmer Jr., his brother Phillip A Palmer and his aunt Katherine Palmer. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary E. (Tetrault) Palmer, his daughters, Mary S Palmer (John T Marble Sr) and Barbara A French (Rich B. Nichuals), five grandchildren, Kristopher D. Brady and wife Yvonne, Amanda S. Dumais and husband Jean Paul, Nicholas R. French, Casey C. French and Stephen L. Molina, three great grandchildren, Abigail, Zakk and Bentley and his niece Sandra Palmer Anton and husband Alex. The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the staff at Mercy Hospital in Portland and to Dr. Roger Inhorn and his staff at Mercy Fore River, especially Laurie, for the loving care he received. Visiting hours will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a memorial services at 7:00 pm on Wednesday December 16, 2015 at A.T. Hutchins Funeral and Cremation services, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland.