Retired Judge Philip K. Palmer, age 83, passed away June 25, 2016 after a lingering battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born July 25, 1932 in Moab, Utah to George M. Palmer and Ann Peterson Palmer of Monticello, Utah. He grew up in Monticello, graduating from Monticello High School.
He attended BYU where he first met his wife, Caroline Comer. He entered military service in 1952 serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954. In 1955 he enrolled at Arizona State University for a semester, then began to attend the University of Utah where he again met Caroline. True love blossomed, as they felt they must be destined for each other, and they were married in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple on September 14, 1956. Their love lasted for 59 years on earth and is eternal.
One week after the wedding Phil enrolled at the University of Utah College of Law. He graduated in 1959 with a Juris Doctorate degree, and the couple moved to Monticello where Phil accepted the position of Monticello City Judge. Their first child, Rhett, was born shortly after, followed by three daughters, Valerie, Karen and Michele. The couple built their home with the help of Phil's father, but their happiness was cut short in 1968 with the tragic death of Rhett at the age of eight.
The family left Monticello in 1970 when Phil took employment at the University of Utah and the terrible loss of their boy was lessened when the Lord sent them another son, Bill. They were blessed by a fourth daughter, Kathleen (Kass). Phil's greatest interest in life was his family. Phil shared his love for skiing with all of his children, teaching each of them to ski. He also enjoyed gardening, hiking and golfing with his buddies. He always put his children before his own interests and encouraged and supported each one individually in their own talents ad pursuits.
In 1971 Phil was hired by Salt Lake City as an assistant city prosecutor and in 1973 he was promoted to the office of Chief Prosecutor, a position he held until 1985 when he was appointed to the Circuit Court Bench by Governor Norman Bangerter. In 1996 he was named a judge of the Third District Court, and retired from the bench on November, 1997. He was known for his fairness on the bench and even-handed administration of justice. He was a very good, modest person besides being a very good judge. Judge Palmer always treated the people in his court with respect and dignity and was concerned that the right and fair outcome occur.
Judge Palmer served in a Bishopric and Stake High Council of the L.D.S. Church. He and Caroline served an L.D.S. Church Education Mission in New York City in 1999 and 2000 which was a high point in their lives. They served in the Salt Lake Temple and were volunteers at the Church Museum. He always sang in the ward choir until his voice gave out on him.
Judge Palmer was faithful to his family, his church and his profession and he will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Caroline, five children: Valerie (Coulson) Rich, Karen (Dr. Todd) Talley, Michele (Sam Sleater) Baer, G. William (Donna) Palmer M.D. and Kathleen (Richard) Cornia M.D. and 20 Grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Cahoon of Monticello. Preceded in death by son, Rhett and son-in-law, Lonny Baer.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 30 at the Crestview Ward Chapel, 2795 East Crestview Drive (10th South) Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held from 9:30 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. prior to the service. An additional viewing will be held Wednesday, June 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South. Interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn.
