Darrel Lee Palmerton

Darrel Lee Palmerton, “Papa”, 67, of Libby, lost his battle with cancer and went to be with Jesus on Feb. 25, 2015.  Darrel, son of Clarence and Dorothy Palmerton, loving husband of Maureen Palmerton, passed away at his home in Libby surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on October 6, 1947, in Portland, Ore., but spent most of his life in Libby.  He was an athletic youngster who was said to have pitched a no-hitter baseball game and bowled a perfect bowling game.

Darrel was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and served during the Vietnam War as a staff sergeant. He earned several medals including the Purple Heart and Soldier’s Medal.  He also served in the United States National Guard in the 1980s.  Darrel worked for J. Neils Lumber Company, St. Regis, Champion International and Stimson for more than 30 years and then for John Moseman doing building maintenance until his retirement in 2007.

Darrel loved fishing, deer hunting, carpentry and gardening.  He enjoyed the outdoors.  One of his favorite pastimes included camping and hiking with his family.  His face would light up every time his grandchildren were around him.  His enormous personality, handyman skills, and wealth of selflessness will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Richard “Dickie” Duane and Kenneth “Kenny” Allen Palmerton.

Survivors include his wife Maureen of Libby; son, Jason Palmerton; two daughters, Jennifer Surman and Jessica McGavin; six grandchildren, Bryan and Brynn Nelson, Payton and Lauren Palmerton, Baylie Surman and Conner McGavin; two brothers, Dan Palmerton (Peggy) and Randy Palmerton; three sisters, Joanne Rosander (Cisco), Sherry Palmerton, and Judy Bailor.

Services for Darrel will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, at the Assembly of God Church in Libby.  Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, at Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home, 422 W 2nd St. in Libby.  Memorials may be made to Hospice or to Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org.

Online memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.