Van Robert Palmer, age 82, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2018, at his home in Tooele, Utah, from complications due to cancer. Van was born July 11, 1935, to Van Barrus Palmer and Laura Mae Wilson Palmer in Tooele, Utah. He was raised in Grantsville by his Grandmother Emma Catherine Barrus Palmer. Van joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and proudly served through 1957. He married Gloria Ann Workman on Feb. 9, 1959. Together they raised two children, Mitchell (Janell) Palmer, and Laura (Chip) Fuller. They later divorced. On Nov. 10, 1982, he married Theo Ann Conder Clingman. Van instantly became an amazing step-dad to Theo’s five children: Terri (Fred) Martinez, Debra (Lester) Pendleton, Charles (Jana) Clingman, Laura Olsen, (Aaron Alberts), and Mark (Suzanne) Clingman.
In 1972, Van received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mathematics from Brigham Young University. He worked on the flight simulator at NASA and knew many astronauts while living in Texas. That is when he became a lifelong, devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. He retired from Sperry Univac (Unisys) after 25 years of dedicated service. Van was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On Oct. 27, 2005, he and Theo’s marriage was sealed in the Bountiful Temple. Though they met later in life than most couples, they were fortunate to share 35 wonderful years together.
Van loved anything outdoors: fishing, camping, hiking, biking, motorcycles and especially golf. The two of them loved to travel and made many treasured memories with children and grandchildren. Once retired, they spent winters in the warmer weather of Arizona — first with motor homes and then a home in Yuma.
Van is survived by his wife, Theo; their seven children; 18 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kay Palmer; sister, Elaine Johnson; daughter-in-law, Janell; and great-grandson, Kaden. Funeral services will be held Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Tooele 19th Ward, 1030 S. 900 West. A viewing will be held 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral. Interment Grantsville City Cemetery.