Lester J. Palmer

Lester J. Palmer, 79, of 8783 Hemlock Dr., Meadville, died Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at Wesbury United Methodist Community.

He was born in Grove City November 1, 1930, a son of the late Carl and Mildred Lowry Palmer.  He married Norma Johnston July 17, 1953.

Lester was a graduate of Grove City High School.  He was employed for 8 years as a Meadville Police officer in the 1950s and 8 years with the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad in the 1960s.  He was owner and operator of Palmer's Diner on Park Avenue in the late 1960s and early 1970s and subsequently owned and operated Williams Cafe on Market Street for 23 years.  Following retirement, he worked as a driver for Griffin Motors and as a bartender at the Taylor Hose Company.

Lester was affiliated with Watson Run Presbyterian Church, was a member of the Taylor Hose Company, former member of Meadville Eagles Aerie 429 and the Italian Civic Club, and enjoyed playing cards, attending horse races and hunting.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Norma of 57 years, include a son, Jay Palmer and his wife Karen of Guys Mills and their children, Travis Palmer, Heather Pickens and her husband Jeff, and Holly Ross and her husband Tim; a daughter, Jill LaBruzzo and her husband Norman, Jr. of Fredericksburg, VA and their daughters, Joey Marie Porcelli and her husband John and Jamie Marie Gaglione and her husband Charles, Jr.; twin sons, Larry and Jerry Palmer, both of California; a sister, Ethel Rice of Hermitage; a brother, Clyde Ernest Palmer of New Castle; 5 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Kenneth and Robert Palmer and a sister, Florence Palmer.

A private family funeral service will be Saturday at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville with the Rev. Frank Duncan officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Watson Run Presbyterian Church, 13594 Harmonsburg Rd., Meadville, PA 16335.