Larry Pearl Palmer, 72, of Richmond, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at V.A. Medical Center in Kansas City.

Larry was born on Aug. 21, 1949, in Fleming, the son of John Henry Clay and Wilma Elizabeth (Van Oster) Palmer.

Survivors include his companion of 33 years, Dortha “Maxine” Hurshman of the home; four sons, Timothy (Heather) Howard of Kansas City, David Hurshman (Andrea Phillips) of Kansas City, Travis Hurshman of Orrick, and Damon (Nucoal) Hurshman of Warsaw; four daughters, Wendy Gardner (Keith Calvert) of Richmond, Melissa (Billy) Heath of Richmond, Lori Palmer (Guy Mangus) of Glenrock, WY, and Jennifer Miller of Casper, WY; 28 grandchildren, Lauralei Loftin Howard, Cayden Howard, Kendyl Howard, Storm Howard, Cayse Howard, Kaleb Howard, Anissa Howard, Grayson Howard, Joshua Hurshman, Cameron Hurshman, Hayden Phillips, Dalton Holloway, Chelsea Hurshman, Courtney Hurshman, Elijah Hurshman, Sally Soptic, Raven Weaver, Destini Hurshman, Christopher (Jenny) Gardner, J. Derek (Bailie) Gardner, Shane Pearl (Breann) Battagler, Alexis Bokarae, Alysha Heath, Jesse Heath, Summer Heath, Braeden Mangus, Bayleigh Kate Mangus, Brookelynn Miller, and Jacob Miller; seven great-grandchildren, James Dewayne Gardner, Delilah Rose Gardner, Kayden Holloway, Clayton Holloway, Brylee Holloway, Emmalynn Leabo, and Dalilah Leabo; five great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Melvin and Billy Palmer, both of Richmond; and sister, Melba (Tom) Rodenberg of Richmond.

He was preceded in death by parents; granddaughter, JoJo Soptic; brother, Wilbur Palmer; and sister, Stella Gray.

Larry was reared and educated in Orrick and graduated from Orrick High School.  He was drafted into the Army out of high school, where he proudly served his country during Vietnam, where he received a Purple Heart and other honors.  Larry was a jack-of-all trades.  Some of his work history included working at a Chevy dealership in Newcastle, WY, as an auto mechanic for Engine Masters in Excelsior Springs, and for the city of Henrietta in the maintenance department.  Larry loved fishing and hunting.  He was a jokester at heart.  Larry had a lot of unfinished projects because it always gave him something to do.  He loved animals, especially his three dogs, George, Ellie May, and Susie, who he took for rides daily to BP for chicken.  He enjoyed raising livestock, horses and chickens, especially his long horn cow, Big Mac.  He was also proud of his ‘55 Chevy and was a member of Hard Time Rodders Car Club in Richmond.  Most of all, he enjoyed having family around, especially at Christmas and Fourth of July.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Fisher House for V.A. families to stay at.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with military honors will be held on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m., with military honors to be presented at 6:30 p.m., during visitation, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Military Honors provided by United States Army and Ray County Veterans.  Inurnment will be at a later date in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville. 

Please remember to share your memories of Larry with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.