Rev. William A. Palmer, 81, of East Peoria passed away at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 at Fondulac Rehab. and Health Care Center in East Peoria.
He was born Oct. 3, 1934 in Decatur, IL to Lindsay and Margaret Lewis Palmer. He married Lois M. Mann on July 25, 1976 in Washington, IL. She survives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 sister, Dorothy; and 3 brothers, Lindsay L., Jim and Tom Palmer.
Rev. Palmer graduated from Decatur High School and Millikin University in Decatur. He later graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Masters of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Chicago, receiving the Conrad Emil Lindberg Award of excellence.
He was a member of the Phi-Kappa-Phi Honor Society and retired member of the Central Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church.
He served many local churches during his ministry; in retirement he served at Edwards United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the East Peoria First United Methodist Church or Preachers Aid Society.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the East Peoria First United Methodist Church with Rev. Mary Arnold officiating. Family will receive friends one hour before services from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements.