Edward Palmer Jr.

Edward W. Palmer Jr., a devoted husband and loving father, passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 85 in Toledo, Ohio. Born June 7, 1940, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Edward West Palmer and Alta Harriet Perkins. “Eddie” as he was known to friends and family, lived a life filled with love, adventure, mechanical passion, and a deep commitment to family.

A 1958 graduate of Clarenceville High School in Livonia, Michigan, Eddie began a 4-year apprenticeship with Chrysler Corporation. In 1960 he was introduced to Elaine Marie Brennan while she was working at Kresge’s. What began as an instant connection quickly blossomed into a deep and lasting romance. They were married on her 18th birthday, June 22, 1963—a partnership that endured for over six decades. The following year, in March of 1964, Eddie completed his Chrysler Apprenticeship Program, earning his certification as a skilled Tool Maker. One month later, he and Elaine welcomed their beloved daughter, Kimber Lee.

In 1966, the family moved to Maumee, Ohio, where Eddie continued his career at Chrysler’s Toledo Machining Plant in Perrysburg, Ohio until his retirement in 1995.

Eddie was a car and motorcycle enthusiast from a young age with friends and family recalling tales of unofficial street races on Michigan roads like Grand River and Telegraph. He officially raced on the drag strips of Detroit and Milan, collecting 28 trophies, and continued racing into his later years with his 1989 Mustang GT, equipped with a Paxton supercharger, at Norwalk Raceway.

Eddie and Elaine shared a spirit of adventure. They embarked on countless motorcycle journeys with friends, exploring most states east of the Mississippi. Their travels extended to cherished family vacations to destinations like Disney, Busch Gardens, Six Flags, Kings Island, and Cedar Point, along with escapes to warmer climates such as in Florida, California, and Hawaii. As the years went by, their two-wheeled explorations evolved into globe-trotting via cruise ships, airplanes, and cars, taking them to many destinations within and outside of the United States, always creating new memories with friends.

Eddie will be remembered for his dedication, his need for speed, his unwavering love for his family, and his passion for all living creatures. He is survived by his one and only true love Elaine Palmer, his devoted daughter Kimber Lee (Kenneth) Metzger, and his cherished grandchild Em Metzger.

Per Eddie’s wishes there will be no memorial services. However, if you would still like to honor his life and his passions, please consider donating in his name to an animal charity of your choice or to his local favorite at https://natures-nursery.org/donate-in-memory-or-in-honor-of/