Eldon D. Palmer

Eldon D. Palmer, 87, died on June30, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana after a sudden illness. Born October 31, 1928 in Starke County,Indiana, he was the son of Francis W. & Vada Terry Palmer. He is survived by his loving wife of over 65years, Elaine (Zaring), and children Patricia (John)Nichols, Don (Carolyn)Palmer, Barbara (William) Tait, and Marsha (Guy) East. He was so proud of 13grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, and a wonderful extended family. Hissister, Judith Moore survives, and brothers, Wayne, Wendell, and Otis Palmer,and sister Barbara Champlin preceded him in death.

Eldon attended a one room schoolhouse near Bass Lake, Knox High School, and Butler University. Aftergraduating, he married Elaine in 1950. After one year of teaching school, he opened a used car lot. He andElaine set down roots in Indianapolis. He founded Palmer Dodge in 1958,Kenworth Truck Center in 1965, and in 1975 purchased a bare bones Pebble BrookGolf Course in Noblesville. Today, Palmer Trucks employs nearly 500 people invarious locations, and Pebble Brook is a beautiful 36-hole golf course. He loved the front lines of buildingbusinesses and sales, growing capable employees, developing strongrelationships with customers and associates, and creating beautiful spaces forpeople to work and play.

Eldon Palmer had a keen eye forpotential in people and in business. Onboth fronts, once his laser focus zeroed in on a project or a person in need,there was no turning back or stalling around. He was willing to move mountains to resolve a problem. Goals and strategies were essential, butnothing compared to his personal involvement and action. Success and age never stopped him from givinghis family, friends, and projects his direct attention and effort. Eldon cherished friends of all ages from allwalks of life: believing in eachperson’s goodness and potential, pushing for excellence, never giving up overtime and adversity.

Mr. Palmer made a dedicated exampleof humble stewardship through many valuable organizations, but wanted to focuson the gift not the giver. SecondPresbyterian Church in Indianapolis, and Faith Presbyterian in Cape Coral,Florida provided warm church homes. Heloved his Butler University roots and was a dedicated Bulldog fan decadesbefore it was “cool.” Along with many others over the years, the IndianapolisMetropolitan Police Motor Cycle Drill Team and the neighborhood missionCommunity Caring and Sharing made him proud and warmed his heart.

The community will likely rememberhis business success or the Indy 500 pace car accident. His family and friends will remember histimeless zest for life, his kind and generous heart, and how truly and dearlyhe loved us. “We were lucky…”

Memorial contributions may be madeto the St. Vincent Foundation 8402 Harcourt Road Indianapolis, IN 46260 orButler University Athletics In Memory of Eldon Palmer 510 W. 49th Street Indianapolis, IN 46208. (www.butler.edu.gifts)

Family and friends are invited togather Tuesday, July 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Second Presbyterian Church. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday,July 6 at 11:00 am at Second Presbyterian Church.

Please visit flannerbuchanan.com tosign the online guest register. Arrangements entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan-Carmel.