David E. Palmer

David E. Palmer, age 76, of McCordsville, Indiana, passed away on March 2, 2026, at Castleton Healthcare Center in Indianapolis. Born on January 28, 1950, in Lima, Ohio, to the late George H. and Betty M. (McClurg) Palmer, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life reflected a deep and abiding love for family.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara (Boehrer) Palmer; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Brenda Palmer of Fishers, Indiana; his daughter, Sandy Palmer of Portage, Indiana; and five grandchildren: Austin Hartrunft of Troy, Ohio, Molly Palmer of Raleigh, North Carolina, TJ Palmer of McCordsville, Indiana, Ava Palmer of Fishers, Indiana, and Ian Palmer of Fishers, Indiana. He is also survived by his sisters, Susan and Gary Weaks of Tipp City, Ohio, and Jane Snell of Troy, Ohio.

A graduate of Troy High School, David served his country as a United States Air Force aircraft mechanic from 1968 to 1972 at McChord AFB in Tacoma, Washington. After his honorable discharge, he worked briefly at Hobart Brothers in Troy before moving to Portage, Indiana, in 1982, where he owned and operated Dave’s Auto Parts from 1985 to 1996. He and Barbara later returned to Troy, where he owned Trader Dave’s resale and consignment store and Trojan Wrought Iron Creations. His talent for metalwork was celebrated through his commissioned sculpture for Dayton’s Big Heart, which remains on display in the Dayton Mall.

David will be remembered for his steadfast love of family, his constant companionship with his dogs, his dedicated service at the New Path Food Pantry, his enthusiasm for building and racing vintage Chevrolet hot rods, and his strong patriotic values.