Lewis Edward Palmer (Ed) has peacefully passed away at the age of 81, from a short illness at Golden Living Center.

He was born in Richmond, Indiana on January 19, 1941, to Verl and Elizabeth (Collier) Palmer of Centerville, Indiana. Ed was a 1959 graduate of Centerville Sr. High School.

Ed had a great love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, NASCAR, and the Indy 500.

He especially loved being a gunsmith, specifically muzzle loading rifles and shotguns. He specialized in flintlock muzzleloaders, two of which he and his grandsons shot competitively. Ed shot skeet at Friendship Indiana and competed in the spring and fall nationals, being a grand champion more than once. He was a proud member of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association (NMLRA), and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Ed was married to his high school sweetheart Patty and they were married for 60 years. Ed and Patty were proud members of First Baptist Church in Centerville. Ed was a proud father to his daughter Lisa Rone, son and daughter-in-law Scott (Monica) Palmer. He had five grandchildren Tyler, Logan, Jennifer, Jessi, and Chase. Five great grandchildren Easton, Everleigh, Ensley, Averie, and Jake. Ed is presence in death by his parents and brother Tom.

There will be no public visitation or services. Ed willed his body to the Anatomical Education Program of the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church at 109 Mattie Harris Rd Centerville, IN 47330.

Memorial services will be at a later date for the family only.

Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.