Alton Alexander Palmer, age 81, of Durbin, owner of Al's Upper Inn Club, died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, September 2, 2014. Al lived happily in his home in Durbin for the last seven years. He was born in Maine and grew up in the North Berwick area. After working in a woolen mill in Maine, he joined the United States Coast Guard and had a proud 25 year career which took his family around the United States, living in many states. He married Margaret Harrington in 1952 and they had three children. They retired in Brooksville, Florida, and lived there for more than 40 years. Alton loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener, hunter, fisherman and camper. It was on a camping trip that Alton discovered Durbin and bought two homes there. He truly enjoyed his final years looking out his window in West Virginia onto the beautiful mountains. Alton continued to work after his time in the United States Coast Guard, he went back to college and got a degree in the field of machinist. He worked for J.W. Appley & Sons in St. Petersburg, Florida, for nine years; and the Eastern Components Sales in Brooksville, Florida, for six years and finally retired at the age of 70. Alton was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Margaret Harrington Palmer; a grandson, Jason Lee Shaffer; a sister, Ardis Barkyoumb; a brother, “Buster” Palmer; and his parents, Frank and Eudor Alexander Palmer. Alton leaves behind a family which includes his children, Penny Lenzen, and husband, Bill, Laura Dent, and husband, Joe, and Fred Palmer; grandchildren, Dawn, Sommer, Samantha, Crissy and Amanda; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Patty. Alton will be missed by all who knew him and will be remembered as the guy with a no nonsense attitude, hard worker, proud business- owner and family man. Memorial service is Saturday, September 13, 7 p.m. at Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Arbovale with Pastor Carl Greathouse officiating, and Military Tribute by the Pocahontas County Veterans Honor Corps. Online condolences may be made at www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
