Leslie R. Palmer, Sr.

Leslie R. Palmer, Sr., age 84, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Christiana Care. Leslie was born in Wilmington, DE to the late Merrill and Eleanor Palmer. From a young age, Leslie learned the value of hard work, commitment and dedication. He devoted his life to supporting his family financially and spiritually, and continually stressed the importance of those lessons with his children and grandchildren. Previously a layman with the United Asbury Methodist Church, New Castle, DE, one of his fondest memories was the privilege to represent the role Christ while carrying a cross during an Easter sunrise service. He will always be remembered as a devout, evangelical Christian. Leslie had a successful 43-year career with General Motors, retiring as a foreman at the assembly plant in Newport, DE. He was interested in cars and carpentry and would attempt to fix everything he could before contacting a repairman. Leslie was grateful for the life he and Nancy had together, and the relationship they had with their children and grandchildren. Nancy and Leslie loved traveling together and regretted not having the opportunity when illnesses interfered with their long-range plans. They also enjoyed the companionship of their cocker spaniel, Lacey, who stayed by Leslie’s side after the passing of Nancy. Unfortunately, Lacey recently passed away, as well. Leslie was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Nancy, the love of his life for 62 years. He was also preceded by his sister, Nancy Ball, and her daughter, Robin Ball. Nancy, Robin, and Nancy’s surviving daughter, Birdie, are all loved dearly by our family. Leslie is survived by his children, Debra Raymond (Tom), Della Shepherd, Leslie Palmer, Jr. (LaNita), and Arnold Palmer (Coleen); grandchildren that called him “PopPop”, Daniel Mace, Kenneth Mace, Sarah Shepherd (William), Blake Shepherd, Andrew Palmer, Kevin Palmer, Daniel Palmer (Madeline), Olivia Palmer (Saifeldine), Jaiden Palmer (Autumn) Alanna Palmer, and Matthew Palmer; and great grandchildren, Madeline, Isabella, Chase, and Leila. Our prayer is that our dad’s desire to see the face of God, and be reunited with his wife, Nancy, in heaven, will be realized quickly. Services and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of Leslie and Nancy Palmer to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online by clicking here.