Donald Albert Palmer

Donald Albert Palmer, 75, of Copperas Cove, passed away on September 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and friends, following a courageous battle against brain cancer. He was born on June 27, 1948, in Winslow, AZ, to his parents, Stanley Carl and Thelma Dean.

Don, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, is survived by his devoted wife, Patsy; his daughter, Carol Ward, and her daughter, Maddigan; his stepdaughter, Dawn Thomas; his son, Eric Palmer, his wife Kendra, and their children Raymond and Delilah; his stepson, Jonathan, his wife Melissa, and their daughter Marianne; and his sister Diana and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brothers Steve and Carl, and his sister, Pam.

After graduating from high school, Don proudly served his country in the Navy, with being deployed to Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University and then joined the Army Corp of Engineers, where he served for 17 years at various duty stations. He then retired as a Captain, Combat Engineer in the United States Army.

Following his military career, he earned his Master of Science in System Management from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. Then Don pursued his passion for education. He taught mathematics and coached various sports at Copperas Cove Junior High School, Hilltop Academy, Memorial Baptist Christian School, and Central Texas Christian School. In his later years, he served as a respected math tutor at Central Texas A&M University, where students knew to seek him out for his expertise and kindness.

Donald had a love for the Lord and was passionate about sharing this love with people he would meet.  He was very active in the church his whole life serving in handbell choirs, bible studies, ministry services, as a Deacon, and many other ways.

Don's mischievous spirit and infectious laughter were cherished by his family and friends, bringing joy to their lives, especially his grandchildren. His family was very important to him, and he enjoyed spending time together, whether it being watching football, playing games, or traveling.

A burial service will be held on Friday, September 29 at 9am at Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen with a memorial service to celebrate Don's life to be held at the First Baptist Church of Copperas Cove at 11am, Hawaiian attire requested. A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 28 from 5-7pm at Sneed Carnley Funeral Chapel in Copperas Cove. In lieu of flowers, the Palmer family kindly requests that memorial gifts be made in Don's honor to either the First Baptist Church of Copperas Cove or the ASPCA.