Merle "Tony" Anton Palmer

Merle Anton (Tony) Palmer, 80, of Dewey, OK, fell eternally to sleep on May 25, 2024. Tony was born on January 8, 1944, in Eureka, KS, to Merle E. and Betty L. Palmer (Mayne). Tony is survived by his daughter, Tona Wood of Dewey; grandchildren, Kiara Wood of Richardson, TX, and Collin Wood of Choctaw, OK; brother, Larry [Diane] Palmer of Dewey; sister, Kathy VonCannon of Coffeyville, KS; several cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Merle and Betty Palmer, brother, Martin (Lynn) Palmer, and an infant brother. Tony graduated from Peru High School in 1962. He was the salutatorian of his senior class, member of the band, 1 of only 2 in the state of Kansas that lettered in football, basketball, and baseball each of his four years in high school. After graduation, he attended Coffeyville Community College with a plan to be an engineer. He quickly decided the military is where he needed to be. In 1962, Tony enlisted into the United States Air Force and was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant on November 29,1968. He was awarded an AF Longevity and National Defense Service Medal. After leaving the United States Air Force, Tony moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming, for a career in the oil field. A year later, he ventured closer to home and was employed by Phillips Petroleum Company for a brief stay. In 1970, he enrolled in the Drafting & Mechanical Technology program at the Southeast Kansas Area Vocational-Technical School in Coffeyville, KS. He was rehired by Phillips Petroleum Company in 1974. He furthered his education with La Salle Extension University to receive a diploma in Basic Computer Programming. He continued to work for Phillips until his retirement in 1999. He was a devoted single father raising his daughter and had an absolute passion for being a full time Papa. He thoroughly enjoyed finding any reason to taxi or cater to his grandchildren’s every need and wants. He was known for never knowing a stranger, full of energy, intelligent, ornery but a caring and compassionate person. A celebration of life will be held at the Delaware Community Center Forsythe Hall on June 22 from 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Legion or St. Jude’s Children’s Research. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Stumpff Funeral Home for transportation and crematory services. “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”~Joseph Campbell

Merle "Tony" Anton Palmer

January 8, 1944 - May 25, 2024