Howard Palmer, 92, of Lead passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital.

Howard was born in Mansfield, SD on October 5, 1920. The family moved to Lead in 1933. He graduated from Lead High School in 1939. In 1941, he joined the Army with the 109th Engineers. He participated in campaigns in North Africa and Italy. Howard was honorably discharged in 1945 and joined the National Guard in 1947 until 1953 being activated during the Korean conflict.

He was married to Eva Laurenti on April 13, 1947 and had three children that were born to this union; Ralph, Sherry, and Tom. Howard began employment with Homestake Mining Company working in various areas. He retired in 1985 as general maintenance foreman. Howard fondly remembered all of the people he worked with at Homestake. As a long time member of St. Patrick's Church, he served various positions at the church and was a member of Homestake Post 31 Legion and the VFW.

Howard was proud of many things he accomplished, but mostly his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Eva of Lead; children, Ralph (Glennis) Palmer, Sherry (Ron) McGrath and Tom (Lynda) Palmer all of Gillette; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Clara, brothers, Virgil, Vern, Orville, Duane and sister, Virginia.

Visitation will be from 4-5 P.M. on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Lead, SD with Vigil following at 5:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, March 18, 2013 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with Military Honors.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead.