Palmer Love, Jr.

Horace P. “Palmer” Love, Jr., 100, passed from his earthly home to his eternal home on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after a long, full life. Born June 27, 1926 in Jockey Hollow, Harrison Co., Ohio, he was the last surviving child of the late Horace Palmer and Lena Bernice (née Dunn) Love – having been preceded in death by his siblings, Robert Love, John “Jack” Love, and Barbara Colburn.

Palmer was a lifelong Harrison County resident and had been the oldest living graduate of New Athens High School. After his 1944 graduation, he always liked to say that Uncle Sam invited him on a senior trip to the Phillippine Islands. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1944 through 1946 at the close of World War II, during which time he earned a number of decorations. Throughout his life, he maintained his connections with his brothers in arms as a Lifetime member of the American Legion, first at the Bowerston Post and most recently at the Scio Post.

Palmer met the love of his life, the former Betty L. Cole, when he returned from the service. United in marriage on June 30, 1949, they were married almost 75 years until her passing on June 2, 2024. You couldn’t find a more devoted couple. They went on to have four children, Sheila (Lenny) Fish, Kelly (Jennifer) Love, Michael (Teresa) Love, and Kevin Love, all of whom survive them, along with the numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren they were blessed with along the way, as well as many well-loved “steps” in every category. In addition to his wife, parents, and siblings, he was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Olivia Sturgill, and daughter-in-law, Barb Love.

Palmer will be remembered as a very hard worker. He spent 25 years as a mechanic and wrecker operator at Truck Sales and Service. When Buckeye Vocational School opened its doors, its superintendent, Mr. Joe Carlile, invited him to become a teacher. He spent the following 10 years leading young men into the world of work. His young men grew into exemplary employees and business owners – many of whom still visited him, even while he was residing at Sunnyslope Care Center in recent months. He retired from teaching to return to full-time farming – his first passion. Palmer lived to farm and happily worked his family farm every day until his health failed him this summer.

Palmer’s family want to acknowledge Sunnyslope Care Center in Bowerston and Crossroads Hospice. The high-quality care they provided was awe inspiring.

John Steel, a former student, will officiate a 1:00 p.m. funeral for Palmer on Saturday, October 24, at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison, Ohio. His family will receive callers at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service. Interment will follow a military committal service in Bowerston’s Longview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions honoring Palmer’s memory may be made to the Stark Community Foundation Olivia Sturgill Memorial Fund, 400 Market Ave. N., Ste. 200, Canton, OH 44702.