Allan Palmer

Allan “Butch” Palmer died on June 13, 2026 at his home in Ellensburg, Washington, surrounded by his family. Allan was born on October 16, 1946 in New London, New Hampshire to Ronald and Katherine (Merrill) Palmer.

After high school, Allan joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Vietnam War. He was on the aircraft carrier Forrestal when it caught fire and 131 men died. During his time on the Forrestal he traveled on the Mediterranean Sea, visiting Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Austria, Morocco, Malta, Greece, and Turkey, and he even went skiing in Andora.

He came home after four years of service. He then met his future wife, Nancy Simmons, on a blind date. Allan and Nancy were married on October 16, 1971—on Allan’s 25th birthday!

Allan attended Concord Community College in Concord, New Hampshire. After graduation, he and Nancy packed their car and drove across the country to Pullman, Washington where he finished his two years of schooling for Mechanical Engineering. He then acquired a job with FM Global, where he worked until he retired in 2014.

Through his job he was able to travel to Asia and Europe. Along the way, he helped people in Thailand, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, sending children to school and college, and providing many with food and daily needs. He loved to travel and meet new people. He traveled to all the continents except Antarctica.

Regardless of where Allan’s job or travels took him – including three years living in Rhode Island and three years in California - he always considered Washington his true home. It was the state where his children were born and where he lived for nearly half of his life, with 25 of those years in Ellensburg.

Allan is survived by his wife Nancy, his children: Jayme Palmer, Julie St.Hilaire, Jeff Palmer, and Jenna Braithwaite, his sister Marnie Thompson, and eight grandchildren: Ruger, Eli, Isaac, Sebastian, Willow, Oliver, Henry, and Abigail.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Ellensburg with a reception to follow. A graveside with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the North Sutton Cemetery in North Sutton, New Hampshire.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com