Phillip A. Palmer, 63, of Bourbon, passed away Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, following injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was born Feb. 23, 1950, in Jonesboro, Ark., son of Paul and Charlene Darr Palmer. He and Deborah Langston were married Feb. 23, 1974.
He was raised in southern California. He earned a degree in education from Arkansas State and attended both Southwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri in pursuit of specialist and doctoral education degrees.
After beginning his education career as a teacher and coach at Westside School District in Cash, Ark., he became the superintendent at Raymondville in 1982. He served as superintendent of schools as several districts in Missouri. He most recently retired from the Crawford County R-1 School District in Bourbon in 2001.
He retired early due to renal failure and was given a kidney by his niece, Jennifer Spurlock, in 2008.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Debbie; two daughters, Stephanie Cowsert of High Ridge and Kevin LeVart of Sullivan; two granddaughters; a grandson; a sister, Paula Spurlock of Harrisburg, Ark.; and many other relatives and friends.
Graveside services were Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Pine Log Cemetery in Brookland, Ark., with Pastor Mike Jarvis officiating. Services were under the direction of Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan.
Donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. Online condolences may be offered at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
