Leo Francis Palmer

Leo Francis Palmer, 78, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Leo was born November 26, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan to James Lester and Albertine C. (Smith) Palmer. He was a 1964 graduate of St. Philip Catholic Central, attended Kellogg Community College, completing the Principles of Electricity and Electronics and receiving an associate’s degree in general studies. Leo received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University on December 18, 1971. Leo honorably served in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years. He was employed at Post Cereals, a Division of General Foods, then Kraft; for 37 years, retiring as Bran Room Cook Operator.

Leo was united in marriage to Nancy Caroline Mottinger on January 6, 1984, at their home in Battle Creek. Surviving is his wife, Nancy; children, Cindy (Terral) Artis of Battle Creek, John (Drew Benson) Harms of Ypsilanti; Chris (Angela) Palmer of Battle Creek, Nikki Palmer of Fort Myers Beach, FL, Tim (Tonya) Palmer of Battle Creek, grandchildren, Kris Terrini, Tiffany (Shaun) Tallent, Michael Farington, Avery Palmer, Kelsee Palmer, Chelsea Thompson; two great-grandchildren, Hailey Terrini, Kylee Terrini, Elliott Thompson; one brother, James (Kathy) Palmer of Traverse City; and one sister, Ellen McCrae of Battle Creek.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bill Palmer and a brother-in-law, Bill McRae.

Leo was a member of the Post 25 Year Club and the PNA “Polish National Alliance”. In high school, Leo played basketball, football, ran track and pole vaulted. Throughout his life he continued to play and coach recreational basketball and softball, where he got the nickname, “Coach Sparky” (Anderson). He loved the Detroit Tigers, especially Miguel Cabrera; and Michigan State University and listened to them both on the radio or TV. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling in the leagues at M-66 Bowl. Leo and Nancy enjoyed landscaping with rocks and working in their yard. Leo and Nancy went on three cruises together and they had a home in Fort Myers, FL where they spent the winters. He will be remembered as a wonderful person, husband, grandfather, his one liners, having the party, being the life of the party and making people laugh. Leo was a legend in his own mind, thinking he was the coolest guy in the room. He would pick on you if he liked you, he and Looper always fighting like brothers and his work ethic was another legacy.

Friends are invited to join Leo’s family to celebrate his life at the PNA Club, 15 Clair Street, Battle Creek, MI 49014, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.