Durward Lyle Palmer

Durward Lyle Palmer, 78, passed away on June 6, 2024, in Brigham City, Utah. Born on February 25, 1946, to Durward and Dorthea Palmer, Lyle grew up in beautiful Park Valley, Utah where he learned hard work and to love the outdoors.

Lyle found the love of his life, Karen Palmer, and they married on January 10, 1992, in Perry, Utah. He loved being anywhere in Box Elder County and lived in Tremonton, Deweyville, Thatcher, and Plymouth. He was a proud Bear River High School graduate from the Class of 1964.

Lyle started his career with the Tremonton City Police and later joined the Utah Highway Patrol, retiring in 1990. He was known for his dedication and hard work, driving semi-trucks for Cache Valley Cheese and La-Z-Boy, logging over a million miles in the squad car or truck. Lyle’s legacy includes countless stories of his kindness, as many remember being let off with “just a warning” from Trooper Palmer.

An outdoorsman at heart, Lyle loved hunting in the mountains with his son, brothers, grandsons, and nephews. He loved travel and believed the best way to end the day was with a bowl of ice cream. His Sunday night calls and talent for teasing waitresses will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Lyle found joy in restoring farm tractors and thought there was nothing better than watching sunsets with the sprinklers on while appreciating the view of the valley. His reminders to "watch for deer, icy bridges, and wear your seatbelt" were given with love and a twinkle in his eye. A lover of country western music, Lyle’s extensive CD collection could fill a public library. His epic storytelling, though often extremely embellished, kept everyone entertained. Lyle's life was a perfect blend of hard work, silliness, loyalty, service and love. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Karen, brothers Grover (Jean) Palmer and Lige (Debbie) Palmer, and sister Arlene (Chris) Thurgood. He was married to Sharon Cornwall and together they had Jay (Staci) Palmer, Becky (Troy) McCann, Kimberly (Tim) Milne, and Marcy (Mike Garza) Lish.  He was also blessed with three bonus children, Kim (Gene) Maguire, Debi (Kurt) Stevens, and James (Amber) Knight.  All of them will forever cherish the unconditional love they received from Lyle. He had 29 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren whom he loved to tease, spoil and try to convert to be Yankee fans. 

Lyle is preceded in death by his parents, Durward and Dorthea Palmer, sister Marge Wright, and granddaughter Kaylee McCann.

A public sharing of memories tribute will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 10-11 A.M. at Rudd Funeral Home in Tremonton (111 N 100 E- Tremonton). Interment with Highway Patrol Honors will follow at 11:30 A.M. at the Bear River City Cemetery. The tribute will be livestreamed and may be accessed below.

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