Obituary published in The Columbus Dispatch on Jan. 9, 2019.
Thomas (Tom) Palmer, of Elk Rapids, MI, aged 79 years young, died of cancer on January 5, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. Born to Dwight and Virginia Palmer of Grandview Heights, OH, Tom was a graduate of Denison University and University of Michigan Law School. Tom's success as a lawyer followed his interest and skill as a problem solver, counselor, and leader. He practiced law for over 40 years in Columbus, OH, in private practice including Chester Saxbe & Wilcox and Squire Sanders & Dempsey where he served as managing partner. Tom completed his career with the Mead Corporation in Dayton, OH, serving as Vice President, Secretary and Corporate Counsel. While in Dayton, he also served on the Wright State University Board of Trustees. In retirement Tom and his wife Vicki built a waterside residence near Traverse City, MI. Tom enjoyed his many vegetable and flower gardens, woodworking, and creating fish sculptures from driftwood. He served on local boards as Chairman of Elk Rapids Township Zoning Board of Appeals and Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Tom and Vicki learned to navigate the Great Lakes under fair skies and on stormy seas, and explored the great outdoors with friends, family and their dogs. Tom is survived by his wife, Victoria; sons, Brad Palmer, Wayne, PA, Richard Palmer, Cincinnati, OH, Paul Hoy, Bexley, OH; and daughter, Heidi Johnson, Columbus, OH; sister Patty (Palmer) Miller, E. Lansing, MI; and brother, Bob Palmer, Columbus, OH; and 10 beloved grandchildren. Thank you to every person who has been used by God to make Tom's life a blessing to others. The memorial service celebrating Tom's life will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 3 pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, MI. A reception for friends and family to share memories will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Tom's favorite charity The Salvation Army of Traverse City. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your condolences and memories with the family.
As of 2006, Tom was living in Williamsburg, Michigan.
Written by Tom to classmates in 1992
Occupation: Senior Officer and General Counsel; Wife: Vicki; Children: 2 sons and 2 stepchildren. Last September I pulled up my long deep Columbus roots and moved to the Mead Corporation Headquarters in Dayton, Ohio. I am one of the senior officers, serving as general counsel and in other capacities. It has been a great move with new professional challenges and rewards. This is not to say I do not miss Columbus--I do--but Centerville is a very livable community.