Steven Richard Palmer

May 27, 1947 - January 25, 2023

Steven Richard Palmer, first son of William and Jeanette (Lopshire) Palmer, died on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

He was the gentle, steady heart of his family, a beloved teacher, and a talented musician. He was thoughtful, witty, and kind. He enjoyed simple things – a favorite bakery or treat, freshly ground coffee, a snow day, a good book, and a well-made fire.

A devoted husband of 49 years, he said of his wife, Jo, "On my best day, I couldn't have picked anybody better." He loved being a dad and grandpa, nurtured special bonds with each of his kids and grandkids, and cherished family time – a chat across the street, holiday sing-alongs, trips to state parks and Lake Michigan, making homemade ice cream and pizza, and everyday moments together.

He was a graduate of St. Andrew's Catholic School, Montfort Preparatory Seminary High School (Long Island, NY), St. Louis University, and Indiana University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in history.

He was a teacher for 45 years, beginning at St. Joseph and ending at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. He was especially remembered for inspiring civic engagement and bringing his guitar or banjo into his classroom. He forever appreciated connections made with students and colleagues and was honored to receive the diocesan Light of Learning Award.

He loved music and sharing it with others – attending folk and bluegrass concerts, hosting hootenannies, and providing encouragement through daily song videos during the pandemic. Over decades, he humbly shared his faith and talents as the music director at both St. Joseph and St. John Bosco. A self-taught builder and son of a carpenter, his affinity for St. Joseph culminated in the only song he ever wrote, In the Hands of the Carpenter.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann (Harber); his son, Michael (Heather); daughters, Darcey Palmer- (Michael) Shultz, and Christa Palmer (Zach) Lange; daughter-in-law, Brooke Charleston; grandchildren Aubrey, Eli, Ella, Jude, and Eve; as well as his siblings, Thomas (Mary Winicker), John, Julie (Mark) Maddocks, Vince (Kathy), Ron (Karen), and Tim (Kara). He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew.

A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 4, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2213 Brooklyn, with visitation at 10 a.m. To honor his wishes, contributions will support the placement of a memorial tree at a Fort Wayne park near a memorial tree for his son (via Venmo @StevePalmerMemorial). Memorial gifts may also be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana.