Thomas Masten Palmer

Thomas Masten Palmer, age 93, died Friday, January 23 in Weatherford, Texas. Born February 1, 1921 in Fallowfield Township, Mr. Palmer was the son of the late Isaac Philip and Anna Masten Palmer. During World War II, he acted as an Instructor Pilot to Aviation Cadets at Altus, Oklahoma before serving in the Western Pacific Command with the 403rd Group Troop Carrier of the 13th Air Force, flying C-47 aircraft. Mr. Palmer was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 22 of Charleroi.

He received his bachelor's degree in education from California State Teachers College and his master's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. He served for 37 years with the Charleroi Area School District as a teacher and administrator. He and his wife also owned and operated a private Driver Training School for 37 years. As a Mason, Mr. Palmer was a member of the Charleroi Lodge No. 615 F&AM, the Lodge Council Chapter Consistory, Valley of Pittsburgh and the Syria Shriners AAONMS of Pittsburgh. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church of Coal Center.

Mr. Palmer was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Nellie Armbruster Palmer. He is survived by a daughter, Dr. Cheryl Ann Palmer of Salt Lake City, Utah, a son, Kent Thomas Palmer of Weatherford, Texas and two grandsons, Masten Kent Palmer of Willow Park, Texas and Michael Isaac Palmer of Salt Lake City. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 26 from 6-8 P.M. at Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. 825 Fallowfield Ave.,Charleroi. Graveside services will be held at 11am on Tuesday January 27, 2015 at Maple Creek Cemetery, Fallowfield Twp. Charleroi Lodge No. 615 F&AM will hold services in the funeral home on Monday evening at 7pm. Military Honors will be accorded by the Charleroi American Legion Post 22.