Stephen Leslie “Steve” Palmer, 74, of Gays, IL, passed away at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, January 19, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by family.
A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. A second visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – noon on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Glendale United Methodist Church, Simpson, IL. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday in the church. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery, Simpson, IL. Memorials may be given to Glendale Cemetery. Arrangements are by Howe & Yockey Funeral Home in Shelbyville, and Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.
Stephen was born on September 8, 1950, at home in Glendale, IL, the son of John and Mildred (Rushing) Palmer. Steve loved his upbringing on the farm, and proudly shared “Pope County” stories with those he encountered. He graduated from Pope County High School in the Class of 1968. Steve earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in math from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Asbury Seminary. While in seminary, he met his future wife, Linda, and they were married on April 27, 1974. Steve loved his wife for 50 years, and for that she is thankful.
Steve loved worshipping Jesus and preaching about him. He accepted God’s call into the ministry through the United Methodist Church and faithfully served the Mount Erie Charge, Carrier Mills Charge, Kinmundy and Wesley United Methodist Churches, Carterville First United Methodist Church, and Pana First United Methodist Church. He loved the congregations entrusted to him throughout the years, and especially enjoyed visiting and talking with the older folks until suddenly, he became one. Steve found comfort in the trustworthiness of the Word of God and God’s faithfulness to his people.
Steve is survived by his wife, Linda; twin sons, Jeremy Palmer (Kim Jackson) of Hillsboro, IL, and Jason Palmer (Joy) of Shelbyville, IL; daughter Jenny Orrick (Ryan) of Gays, IL; sister, Charlotte Palmer of Simpson, IL; brother, Donald Boaz (Betty) of LaFollette, TN; grandchildren, Tyler Palmer, James Palmer, Jake Palmer, Jackson Palmer, Madi Orrick and Sam Orrick. Steve loved his entire family, especially his grandchildren, and considered them gifts from God.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John David Palmer (Lana).