Lynn Palmer

Lynn Ralph Palmer (86) passed away peacefully on April 9, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born March 18, 1937, in Murray, Utah, to Vaughn Shields Palmer and Deane Player Palmer. He grew up in South Jordan, Utah and was the oldest of five. He was followed by Sharon, Clare, LaDeane and Calvin.

Lynn learned at a young age the importance of hard work, which he kept with him through his life. At the age of 5, he was given the responsibility of milking just 1 cow in the mornings. By the age of 10, his duties had expanded to milking 5 cows in the morning and evening. He would also ride over to his grandpa’s and help bring in his herd of cows from the field. He was too short to get on and off the horse on his own, so he had to stay on until he got back home. He loved to help his mom thin the beets in their garden and herd his grandpa’s sheep. He would always talk about how much he admired his grandpa and wished he could remember more of what he told him, because he was sure it was important. The one thing he did remember his grandpa telling him was the three things to always take serious in life, “Religion, family and your career”.

Lynn graduated from Jordan High school as a proud Beet Digger in 1955. He started doing rodeo when he was in the 10th grade and found that he loved riding bulls. After graduating, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served his country for 4 years. Most of his time spent in Alabama where he started riding in local rodeos. Shortly after he joined the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA). He would continue to compete in RCA rodeos (which later became the PRCA) until 1972, shortly after his last child was born. He was the Lehi High School Roughstock Adviser for many years and helped a lot of kids improve their bull, saddle bronc and bareback bronc riding.

Lynn met Janet McKinney, from Fairfield, Utah, and they started dating in 1964. They were married the next years, on August 23, 1965. They had 5 children, Clark, Lynette, Royce, Shawn, and Jay. They remained married until 1980, when they filed for divorce.

After giving up rodeoing, Lynn worked as a truck driver and mason until he started his career at the Tooele Army Depot in 1967, where he made many lifelong friends. He continued to work there until his retirement on April 1, 1993.

Shortly after his divorce, Lynn found a new passion, horseshoe pitching. He became a member of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association and shared his love of the sport with three of his sons and one of his grandsons. He competed in many tournaments across several states and won many trophies. He was even known to record himself pitching to see how he could improve his form.

Lynn was a skilled leatherworker, fly fisherman, and hunter. Anyone who wanted their saddlebags or horse tack made or repaired “the right way” knew they needed to go and see Lynn Palmer in Fairfield, Utah. He also loved tying his own flies for fly fishing. His specialty was a little pink one. Everyone he gave them to would talk about how it was the best fly they had ever fished with and they couldn’t keep the fish off them. Lynn never caught a single fish using that fly. If you ever went to lunch with him, it was best to just leave your wallet in the car. He would always make sure he got the check, and you would hear about it if you even tried.

Near the end of his life, Lynn Palmer was able to receive his Endowment in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Shortly after, he was Sealed to his parents and 3 of his living children. He also received his Patriarchal Blessing and took immense comfort in the counsel given to him from his Heavenly Father. His faith and testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grew exponentially in his final years. He took great joy in studying his scriptures and many other books written by LDS authors. He knew that Jesus Christ is his Savior and that he will be with his family forever because of his sacrifice.

Lynn was preceded in death by his parents Vaughn and Deane Palmer, brother Clare Palmer, brother-in-law Jack Snyder, sister-in-law Nancy Collard Palmer Kirkpatrick and daughter-in-law Lisa Richards Palmer.

He is survived by his sisters Sharon Snyder, LaDeane (Steve) Jarvis, and brother Calvin Palmer. His five children Clark (Joie) Palmer, Lynette Palmer, Royce Palmer, Shawn (Bonnie) Palmer, and Jay (Mindi) Palmer; 16 Grandchildren Ashley Davis, Tashina Palmer, Vic (Tara) Palmer, Sharissa (Andrew) Shingleton, Tiana Tingey, Lyndzie Palmer, Cade (Kylee) Palmer, Lane Palmer, Chandler (Taylor) Palmer, Payton Palmer, Dalton Palmer, Gunner Palmer, Avrie Palmer, Jaxon Palmer, Ace Palmer, Bradie Zimmerman, Brody Zimmerman, and 9 Great-Grandchildren (Taj, Shelby, Ryder, Maddox, Tate, McCoy, Lucas, Madilyn, and Emily).

A viewing will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Homes on Sunday, April 16th from 5-8 pm, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah 84095.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 17 at a LDS Church house at 11 am, 10124 S. Temple Drive, South Jordan, Utah, with a brief viewing prior from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Lynn will be laid to rest at the South Jordan Cemetery at 10630 South 1055 West, South Jordan, Utah.