W. Dee Palmer passed away peacefully at home in Sycamore surrounded by family on Sunday, November 13 after a brief illness. Born September 7, 1914 in DeKalb the son of C.H. and Zola Palmer.

He is survived by his loving companion, Janette Jones, two sons, Roger (Marcia) Palmer and Gary (Barbara) Palmer both of DeKalb. Five Grandchildren, Bradley (Julie) Palmer of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Cori (Dave) Witulski of Griffith, Indiana, Tony (Angie) Palmer of, Sycamore Nicole (Nick) Baker of Sycamore and Brittany Palmer of DeKalb , nine great grandchildren and many extended family members.

He was a graduate of DeKalb High School and Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Education with a Major in Music. Dee also was in charge of Instrumental Music for DeKalb schools and NIU training school (McMurray) for one year.

Dee played trumpet professionally with such greats as Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Earl (Fatha) Hines and Jack Teegarden.

He was first trumpet with NBC Orchestra for five years, trumpet soloist with the Dave Garroway Show, President of Palmer Music House, Inc., Director of The Shananigan Big Band, Director of NIU Alumni-Faculty Dixieland Band. Dee was the Conductor of DeKalb Municipal Band for 63 years.

Mr. Palmer served as DeKalb Public Hospital Board of Directors for ten years, Past President of Local 572 American Federation of Musicians, Past President of Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, Member of National Association of Music Merchants Board of Directors, Member of Lions Club, Member of Elks Lodge, Member of DeKalb Masonic Lodge, Member of DeKalb County Shrine Club, Member of Freeport Scottish Rite Consistory, Ambassador of Tebala Shrine, Charter member of DeKalb Jay-Cees, Past member of DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, original board member of Kishwaukee Community Hospital, past member of First National Bank Board of Directors, Division Chairman of DeKalb Centennial and Past President of Community Concert Series.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Herb and sister Burdelle, his infant son William and his wife Eleanor (nee Larson), Virginia(Steffa) and Lois (Lundeen).

The funeral service will be held at 12:00pm on Thursday, November 17, at Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore with Pastor Gary Ryden and Pastor Rob Kinnear co-officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, November 16, from 3-8 pm with a Masonic service at 8:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Palmer Family Music Education Scholarship Fund in care of Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home. To send an online condolence visit: www.ronanmoorefinch.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak Street DeKalb, IL 60115 (815)758-3841.

Service:
Thursday, November 17, 2011

12:00 pm

Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore
Visitation:
Wednesday, November 16, 2011

3:00 - 8:00 pm

Masonic service at 8:00

Salem Lutheran Church in Sycamore