New Bedford - Albert Allen “Ab” Palmer died at St. Luke’s Hospital, April 1, 2007 in his 88th year. He was the son of Frederick W. Palmer and Etta Jane (Allen) Palmer. The husband of Shirley I. (Taber) Palmer.
He was born in Westport and was a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Westport High School and Insurance School with a brokers license. A navy veteran of WWII, he served in the Aleutians and South Pacific. His 23rd Construction Battalion went into a beachhead and recovered the first United States land lost to the Japanese in the beginning of the war. He received a presidential citation from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was a member of the American Legion.
Employed by the Town of Westport for 23 years as Shellfish Constable, over the years he served as a Reserve Police Officer, Harbor Master, Conservation Agent, Fence Viewer and Soils Board Agent. He worked with a United States Marshall and at the time took an oath and was appointed Deputy United States Marshall. At the age of 85 he was a Special Deputy Shellfish Constable. He worked as a carpenter and sword-fisherman on the “Black Duck.”
He was a Boy Scout leader, Little League and Pony League coach. Member of the Westport Point United Methodist Church, serving as trustee, lay leader and choir member for 30 years. He also served as President of Inter-Church Council and Youth Leader.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years and brother Raymond C. Palmer of Westport Point. Three sons: Daniel A. Palmer of Mansfield, MA, Timothy A. Palmer of Westport and David R. Palmer of Westport. Two daughters: Faith I. Parker of Indianapolis, IN and Betsy L. Small of Westport. Grandfather of Alan, Tracy, Eric, Rebecca, Heidi, Heather, Joshua and Molly. Great grandfather of Kyle, Marissa, K.C., Michael and Ethan. Brother of the late Frederick W. Palmer, Jr. He was most proud of his loving family.
Services to which relatives and friends are invited will be Thursday, April 5, 2007 at the Westport Point United Methodist Church at 10:00 A.M.
Calling hours Wednesday 5 - 8 P.M.
Interment in Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport.
Flowers are acceptable or memorial donations may be made to: Perkins School for the Blind, 175 N. Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472-9982.