Ned James Palmer October 4, 1943 ~ October 20, 2022

Ned James Palmer was born in Blanding, UT on October 4, 1943, to James Lynn and Fern Laws Palmer in his childhood home. He passed October 20, 2022, holding the hand of his beloved wife and surrounded by family.
Ned was the fourth of six children. His childhood was filled with horses, jeeps, hard work, a little mischief and lots of love. His brothers and him kept his sweet Mother on her toes with their daily shenanigans.
Ned was a fantastic storyteller and loved retelling the tales of his younger years to friends and family. He loved his days on the ranch at Long Canyon followed by a delicious dinner and a full table.
Rook, horseshoes, monopoly, homemade root beer and plenty of friendly banter were all key building blocks of his childhood.
Ned graduated from San Juan High in 1961. While in high school, he kept busy playing football, basketball, running track and wreaking havoc. He was proud to be a San Juan Bronco.
Morris Swenson was his coach in multiple sports. They created a friendship that lasted throughout the years. Ned even had the nerve to die on Morris’ 90th birthday, to which Morris said, “he would try to steal my thunder”.
After high school, Ned attended Dixie College on a track scholarship. To say Ned had a great time during these few years is a vast understatement.
There were nights of stolen turkeys, water balloons thrown at cops, drag races and a dozen other alleged tales of early 60s. Somewhere during the memory making, we hope there were inklings of study.
When Ned finished his stint at college, he found himself on a blind, double date in a café in Monticello. It was this night that his life changed forever.
He walked in with his buddy, Nicky Black, to see a beautiful, tall, black-haired girl named Marilyn Bryant. Their connection was instant.
Even though she wasn’t a “Blanding Girl”, she stole his heart. Ned and Marilyn were married March 7, 1963, in Marilyn’s hometown, Parowan, UT. They were later sealed in the St. George Temple. Marilyn was the love of his life, and he adored spending every second by her side.
Together they built a life full of fun, laughter, adventure and a whole bunch of love. They welcomed four wonderful daughters who were their pride and joy: Terri, Sheila, Nedra and Collette. During this phase of life, their favorite memories included camping, cookouts, Lake Powel adventures, Hole in the Rock excursions, horse riding and chasing around four crazy girls.
Christmastime was always an extravagant celebration in their home, memories that the girls will all hold dear. In 1982, their first grandchild was born and just like that, Ned was promoted to his most well-known title, Grandpa Ned. This child became Grandpa Ned’s first “son”.
As “Grandpa Ned”, he found some of his greatest joys. On the day he died he had 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He loved his grandkids with his whole heart. He was an intricate part of their daily lives.
He celebrated their successes and worried for them during their trials. Grandpa Ned became a household name in the community. During the years, he welcomed many kids into his home who all felt comfortable calling him Grandpa. Any who entered his home could count on a sarcastic joke and a treat.
If you are one who called him Grandpa, know that you were one of his. Grandpa and Grandma’s home became a place of refuge for many.
Grandpa Ned was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He held an array of callings. He especially loved his time with the youth. He loved to laugh and joke and knew teenagers often did that best. Many teens lovingly referred to him as “Ned Nuggent” or “Ned Zeppelin”.
He loved watching the Jazz and BYU. He of course knew more than the refs and coaches and would tell anyone who would listen. He loved following the San Juan Broncos in every sport. He was a regular at every game.
He loved his beautiful wife with all his heart. He loved his daughters, and he loved his grandkids. He was their greatest supporter. He was his happiest when his family was close.
Ned is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Linda Sparling, Kent Palmer, Jack Palmer, Jay Palmer, and grandsons Slade Streeper and Richard Monson.
He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn Palmer, daughters Terri (Ray) Valdez, Sheila (Rich) Monson, Nedra (Carolee) Streeper, and Collette (Tom) Taylor, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren.