Richard Palmer, 84, passed away at Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Post Falls, Idaho, on February 3, 2014.

Richard was born in San Pedro, Calif., on March 16, 1929, to Jane Ethel (Huber) Palmer. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corp in 1946, and later served in the US Marine Corp. Richard worked on the development of the Strategic Air Command in Japan, and served in the Korean War; he was honorably discharged in 1951. 

Richard married Frances Ann Barry on December 1, 1951, in Santa Monica, Calif. While still living in Santa Monica,Richard and Frances welcomed their first son, Michael, in 1954. In 1955, they moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and welcomed their second son, John W., in 1956. In 1966, Richard and Frances moved to Anchorage, Alaska, and lived there for 21 years until returning to Coeur d’Alene.

Ricard was a PBX installer for General Telephone until 1966, and then for the Municipality of Anchorage Telephone Company, retiring in 1987. ?Richard was an active member of the Shriners, American Legion, VFW, Elks, Cooties, Eagles, and a life member of the Marine Corp League. He was a pilot and enjoyed flying. Richard also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, boating, bowling, swimming, and water skiing. He was a very devoted family man, and loved to spend time with his family and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Jane. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances; two sons: Michael (Trina) of Las Vegas, Nev., and John (Sheryl) of Blanchard, Idaho; sister, Corrine Allison; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be 11 a.m.,Wednesday, April 16, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. Private burial will be at Forest Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 911 W. Fifth Ave., Spokane, Wash., 99204. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is in charge of the arrangements.