Keith Palmer

ATHENS - James Keith Palmer was born in Bellaire, Ohio on August 5, 1954 to James Orville Palmer and Hazel Olive Watt Palmer. He received his healing on May 9, 2017 at the age of 62, not here on earth as we had hoped and prayed for, but in Heaven. He was proceeded in death by his father, James Orville Palmer. He is survived by his loving wife and true soul mate Joan Darlene Danko Palmer. His daughters Kelly Gheen and her husband Scot of Racine, Ohio, Jessica Allen and her husband Frank of Braxton, Ms; Devan Palmer of Gretna, LA. His five extremely loved grandchildren Bailey, Bethany, and Ava Grace Allen; and Brennen and Cayden Gheen. His mother Hazel Palmer and his brother Curtis Palmer and wife Robin of Cookeville, TN. A special niece and Godchild Kali Palmer Whitson and her husband Matthew and their child Knox McQuire of Lexington, KY. After obtaining his Engineering Degree from Ohio University he started his career in 1975 with Southern Ohio Coal Co-AEP where he held various management positions until the mines closed in 2001. He returned to OU and obtained his Masters in Education and began his 13 year teaching career in Physical Science and Biology at Vinton County High School. Here he realized his true calling. He used his special skills, life experiences, and compassion to improve his students lives to help them realize their horizons weren't limited and they could accomplish their dreams. He among others championed the Science Olympiad team, was a science club advisor for 11 years, and was involved with the National Honor Society for 12 years. No matter what was going on in his life, he always had time for his students. He truly wanted all of his children, grandchildren, and students to succeed and realize their full potential. Keith loved being with his family and friends. His special sense of humor brightened all of our lives. He was a skilled handyman "Mr. Fix It" and a blessing to anyone who needed a problem solved. His various skills and abundance of knowledge enabled him to help so many. He loved fishing, gardening, Nascar races, beach trips, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles. He and Joan were long time members of the Christian Motorcycle Association where he held the position of secretary. With this group he could enjoy the twin pleasures of both riding motorcycles and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a tremendous witness to everyone he encountered. He was a long time member of New Life Assembly of God Church where he served on the board, and enjoyed a special fellowship with his church family. He was fulfilled by his faith and love of his family and friends. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Don Benson for his exceptional care and love that created the special bond that the two shared. We will always carry the memory of Keith in our hearts. Services will be Saturday at 10:00 AM at Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home with Rev. Phil Foster officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 4 to 8 PM and Saturday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to: Vinton County Education Fund, Vinton County Schools, C/O Erica Zinn, 307 W. High Street, McArthur, Ohio 45651. You may sign the online guestbook or leave a private message of sympathy for the family at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.