Obituary of Clarence Leonard Palmer

C.L. "Okie" Palmer C.L. Palmer passed away peacefully on May 10, 2011 at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, with his family at his bedside. Born in Leedey, Oklahoma on January 29, 1934, C.L. was 77 years old. He moved to Dos Palos, California in 1951. Following graduation from Dos Palos High School in 1952, he worked on a cattle ranch for Wolfsen Brothers until 1954; then moving to Newport News, Virginia, where he worked in a grocery store for 4 years. In 1958 he began his 5 year apprenticeship to become a plumber working at Langley Field Air Force Base in the 19th Wind Tunnel. In 1963, he moved to Santa Cruz where he was employed with Wilder and Jones Plumbing Contractors until 1966 when he began his career with George H. Wilson Inc. Mechanical Contractors. His first job was working on the Santa Cruz County General Hospital on Emeline Street. He remained with the company until his retirement in 1999, with the last 30 years of his career in plumbing field supervision. He was an avid golfer and a member of Aptos Seascape for 25 years, where he served on the Board of directors for 6 years, and serving a term as president. He was a two time club champion in match play "scratch division" in 1974 and 1976. C.L. also served as golf chairman for the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge # 824 for 3 years and also a member of De Laveaga Men's Club for 20 years, and a member of the Monterey Bay Seniors since 1999. He traveled for more than 30 consecutive years with his buddies for annual golf outings in Nevada. C.L. loved being with his family, golfing, gambling, and fishing with his son in-law, Greg, and twin great grandsons Josh and Brandon. He cherished the annual trips to Kansas and Oklahoma to attend the "PCP" Palmer Christmas Party, and the many, many trips to Reno, Nevada with his wife, Opal. C.L. was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years Opal, parents Victor and Ethel, Brother Gary Palmer (Carol), Brother Mike palmer (Mary), and nephew Eric palmer, who lost his life bravely at 20 years old in the Iraq War. He is survived by his daughter Pamela Doucette (Greg) of Chowchilla, CA., Son Michael Palmer (Julia) of Santa Cruz, CA., Sisters; Delores Gould (Tom) of Chester, OK., Mary Holloway of San Ramon, CA., Louise Flores of Mesquiet, NV., Leota Buhler (Darrel) of Missouri, and Dianne Weiland (Bill) of Colorado. Brothers; John Palmer (Dena) of Maize, KA., Kenny palmer (Jan) of Wichita, KA., and Bob Palmer (Lori) of Wichita, KA., Grandson Matthew Doucette (Marie), & Granddaughters Melissa Fuentes (Frankie), and Mckenna Palmer. He leaves 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family requests that donations be sent to a charity of your choice in C.L.'s name. A private committal at sea is under the direction of Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel.