Joseph “Joe” Ray Palmer, Jr, 47, of Independence

 Joseph “Joe” Ray Palmer, Jr, 47, of Independence, Missouri passed away October 10, 2024.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Altona Baptist Church, 12494 NE State Route Z, Adrian, Missouri 64720.  Burial will follow in Altona Cemetery.  Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660-679-0009).  In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe’s name are suggested to Disabled American Veterans or The Wounded Warrior Project.  Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

 

Joe was born February 17, 1977 in Weisbaden, Germany to Joseph Palmer Sr, and Linda Griffin Palmer. He was raised in the Episcopal Church and was Baptized as an infant; he was also confirmed by the Bishop of the Armed Forces at Fort Leavenworth.  As an adult, he was saved and baptized in June 2013. 

 

Everyone who knew Joe knew he had a very big heart and was a very caring man.  He always tried to help people.  He began his scouting career as a cub scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout and lived by its precepts. Joe was active in sports, ROTC and band during high school. 

 

Joe proudly served his country in the US Army Mechanized Infantry.  He received the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and Expert Infantryman Badge.  Joe was a Bradley 113 Operator on the Machine Gun Team who trained in military OPS in urban terrain in both day and night and land navigation.  He was a true patriot and his proudest achievement was following his father and grandfather in service to his country.  Joe loved God, Family & Country.  At his passing he was employed by the VA Medical Center in Kansas City as a Groundskeeper.  His lifelong love of the outdoors included his abilities to exceed and provide exceptional and respectful landscape care to several golf courses including the National in Kansas City along with cemeteries including Mount Muncie in Leavenworth, Kansas. 

 

Joe is survived by his parents; Joseph Palmer, Sr and Linda Griffin Palmer, two brothers; Benjamin Palmer and Daniel Palmer, sister; Elizabeth Kalash, four nephews; James Palmer, Isaiah Palmer, Lucas Kalash, Jonathan Kalash, and two nieces; Amelia Palmer and Anna Kalash.