Gary Lloyde Palmer

Lifelong local resident Gary Lloyde Palmer, 72, of Kelso passed away Aug. 27, 2022, at the Hospice Care Center in Longview.

He was born May 13, 1950, in Longview, to Franklin Albert and Bernice (Bergly) Palmer. Gary graduated from Kelso High School with the class of 1968. He was a good bowler and baseball player in his youth.

On Aug. 18, 1992, he married his wife Virginia in Kelso. She survives him at home. Gary is also survived by a daughter, Erica Palmer of Olympia, Wash; a son, Scott Palmer of Longview; two sisters and brothers –in-law, Susan and Darrell Chaufty of Kelso and Teri and Nate Stone of Longview; three grandsons, Cade Harren, Luca Palmer and Miles Palmer; and his nieces and nephews, Kelly Sue Gallagher of Tucson, Ariz., Kevin D. Chaufty of Sandpoint, Idaho, Kerry A. Van Skike of Kalama, Nicholas D. Gallagher of Castle Rock, and Katie Wallace and Andrew Stone, both of Longview.

Gary worked for the Trojan Nuclear Plant, Carlson’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Napa Auto Parts, Wayron Fabrication, Waite Specialties and Western Fabrication. He was a member of Elks Lodge 1482, the American Legion and the National Rifle Association.

He enjoyed caramel macchiato and old fashioned doughnuts in the morning. He loved family trips to Hood Canal, the Seahawks, all things golf, hunting, the ocean, and deep sea fishing. Gary taught his nephews how to hunt and fish. They called him “Uncle Buck.” He adored his four-legged friends, Deuce, Shamrock, Charlie, Tizmore and Walter.

A celebration of Gary’s life is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 at the Kelso Elks Lodge, 900 Ash St. in Kelso.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632.