Douglas Dee Palmer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on August 26, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family. A resident of Draper, Utah, Doug’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love.

Born on August 25, 1935, in Preston, Idaho, to David Clair and Sevella Mansfield Palmer, he grew up in a home filled with music. Doug learned to play the violin at a young age, developing a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. His early years were also marked by a deep love for the gospel and learning, leading him to serve a mission in the Great Lakes area, after which he earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Utah State University and later a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Utah.

Doug began his career in journalism at a young age in the office of the Preston Citizen, where he worked after school. This early experience cultivated his interest in writing and led him to a distinguished 40-year career as a reporter and editor for the Deseret News and Church News in Salt Lake City. His work was characterized by dedication, integrity, and a commitment to unbiased and fact-based reporting.

In addition to his professional achievements, Doug honorably served his country. Following six months of training at Fort Ord, he committed 24.5 years to the U.S. Army Reserve. This service was an important part of his life, and he took great pride in it.

On June 30, 1960, Doug married his sweetheart, Joan Beth Bellamy, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they dedicated their lives to family and church service. Doug served as editor of the Millennial Star, the Church’s former official publication in Great Britain, during his time in the British South Mission with Joan. Later, they served together as Directors of the Institute of Religion at Western New Mexico University. They also served in the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission.

Doug and Joan were blessed with three children: Melanie (David) Allen, Kent Douglas (Kathryn) Palmer, and Shauna Calhoun. Doug was a devoted father and grandfather—his love knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment with his eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, always finding ways to support and uplift them.

A man of unwavering faith, Doug was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in various callings with humility and love, always eager to offer encouragement and support to those around him. His love for the Savior guided every aspect of his life.

Beyond his professional and church service, Doug was deeply involved in his community. He served on the College of Social Work Advisory Council for 25 years and was an active member of the Midvale Rotary Club. He eagerly undertook a humanitarian trip to Mexico with his son Kent, providing schools there with needed supplies, medical provisions, and musical instruments. He also actively participated in building a school on the Alta Plano with Utah Bolivia Partners and volunteered regularly at Saint Mark’s Hospital.

Doug found great joy in music throughout his life. He played the violin in several orchestras and loved singing in men’s choruses at BYU and USU. He and Joan frequented Utah Symphony concerts and theater performances as often as their schedules allowed.

Doug’s life was a beacon of love, service, and faith. His gentle spirit, kind words, and unwavering testimony touched the hearts of all who knew him. Remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, his legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who find comfort in the knowledge that families are forever.

Survived by his wife, Joan Palmer of Draper, Utah, their children, and his brother Bruce Palmer, Doug also leaves behind his grandchildren: Braden (McKell), Brian (Morgan), Marc (Chelsea), Lauren, Robbie, Rebecca (Jonathon), Eric (Kaitlin), Benjamin (Smirna), and eight great-grandchildren—Luke, Hannah, Lydia, Vera, Braxton, Natalie, Emma, and Santiago. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Clytia Dent and Norma Palmer, his brother Clair Palmer, and his sister and brother-in-law Ramona and Lyman Wiser.

Doug’s life exemplified the power of love, faith, and service. Though he will be dearly missed, his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who were blessed to know him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 am at the South Mountain 8th Ward, 1911 East Gray Fox Drive, Draper, UT. There will be a visitation from 9:30 to 10:45 am prior to the services. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, UT. For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please visit Doug's obituary page at www.larkinmortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Douglas Palmer’s name to: Primary Children's Hospital