JOHN PALMER JR.

BERNIE, Mo. -- John W. "Punk" Palmer Jr., 79, of Bernie died Thursday, May 3, 2001, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 11, 1922, at Dexter, Mo., son of John Wesley and Earmin Iduma Greer Palmer Sr. He first married Dorothy Beatrice Robinson April 1, 1939, in Piggott, Ark. She died March 2, 1955. He later married Annie Lee Farr Read Feb. 10, 1956, in Hernando, Miss.

Palmer had owned and operated Palmer's Auto Sales and Salvage Yard since 1946. He and his wife had owned and operated Bootheel Jamboree since 1970.

He was a member of Bernie Missionary Alliance Church and Bernie Masonic Lodge 573, and was a 32nd Degree member in St. Louis.

He was a sergeant with the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded two Bronze Stars.

Survivors include his wife; five sons, Jack, Ron and Johnny Palmer of Bernie, Larry Palmer of Bloomfield, Mo., Randy Palmer of Glen Burnie, Md.; five daughters, Sandra Cryts, Linda Merritt, Rita Burch and Sally Cloninger of Bernie, Brenda Smith of Bloomfield; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, two brothers and a sister.

Friends may call at Rainey Funeral Home in Bernie from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The Rev. Joe Masters will officiate. Burial will be in Bernie Cemetery.