SANFORD — Donald E. Palmer, 84, of Sanford, died Friday, May 30, 2014 at the Greenwood Center, surrounded by family.

Don was born in Springvale, to Perley and Mamie (Goodrich) Palmer, and attended local schools.

Don served in the Korean Conflict as a corporal. He worked in local shoe shops, was captain of the call firefighters in Springvale, worked at CYRO for many years and was part of the CYRO fire department.

He gardened all of his life, and that continued after he went to the Greenwood Center, planting vegetables that he shared and used to bargain. Don was a very social and friendly man, who loved to talk to everyone and anyone, he could engage a whole room in conversation and make them smile.

Don will be remembered as a very caring and hardworking man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.

Mr. Palmer was preceded in death by: his wife of 52 years, Doris “Dot” Palmer; a brother, Bobby Palmer; and son-in-law, James Hoffmaster.

Surviving are: two sons, Danny Palmer and his wife Diane and Davy Palmer and his wife Jeanne, all of Springvale; three daughters, Donna Hoffmaster of Alfred, Darlene Spencer and her husband Wayne of Shapleigh and Doreen Ciullo and her husband David of Springvale; sister, Eleanor Palmer of Sanford; eight grandchildren, Danielle Palmer Treadwell and her husband Matthew, Christopher Palmer and his wife Kaytlin, Amy Hoffmaster and her husband Eamonn Hutton, Jenilee Palmer and her significant other Dustin Geldermann, Daniel Collins and significant other Cora Cabana, Melissa Palmer and significant other John Duquesnoy, Krista Hoffmaster, and Nicholas Palmer and his fiancée Kaitlyn Boivin; great-grandchildren, Alden, Owen, Jaxson and Mirabel; sister-in-law, Anita Arsenault; brother-in-law, Junior Arsenault; and special friend, Rejeanne Merrow. Another great-grandchild, Rachel, is expected in July.

Don’s family would like to express heartfelt and sincere thanks to Dr. John McGuckin and all the staff (past and present) at Greenwood Center for the excellent care and friendship he received. Their kindness, love and personal attention will never be forgotten.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Southern Maine Veteran’s Cemetery in Springvale. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don’s name may be made to the Greenwood Center Activity Fund, 1142 Main St., Sanford, ME 04073. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.