David Byron Palmer

David Byron Palmer, “Pap” age 89, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Ligonier Gardens in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. He was born on January 11, 1937, in New Florence, Pennsylvania, the son of late Charles and Annie (Wisner) Palmer. He was preceded in death by his brothers Henry, Charles, and Arnold Palmer, and his sisters Cora Jane Palmer, Ester Lute, and Sara Ambrose.

David was also preceded in death by his wife of sixty-three years, Loralee (Warden) Palmer. Sixty-three years of partnership, loyalty, and commitment. The kind of love that does not need to be loud to be powerful, the kind of love you did not question. Together they built a family that grew into five children, David L. (Cindy) Palmer of New Florence, Daniel R. (Daun) Palmer, Randy B. (Michelle) Palmer, Jane (Len) Hoch, and Jeffery A. (Beth) Palmer, all of Ligonier; twelve grandchildren, Jason (Jess) Palmer, Jonathan (Bianca) Palmer, Brandon (Ashley) Palmer, Danielle (Nick) D’Andrea, Lenny (Jessica) Hoch, Anna (Dane) Kitner, Ben (Sarah) Hoch, and Megan, Miranda, Logan, Bella, and Gabby Palmer; and ten great-grandchildren, Jameson, Jocelyn, Luke, and Bryson, Ava, and Lincoln Palmer, Eleanor and Magnolia Hoch, and Emily and Laura Mae Kitner.  Dave and Loralee’s legacy is not measured in years, but in generations.

David found peace in simple things from planting his garden, fixing his tractors, building picnic tables and picture frames, to making his famous sauerkraut and holiday ham. David lived a long life marked by quiet strength, commitment, and dignity. Those who knew him remember his steady presence. David proudly served his country as a United States Air Force veteran. Following his military service, he worked at Latrobe Steel for over 32 years.   

Friends will be received Friday, January 30, 2026, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the McCabe Funeral Home, 144 East Main Street, Ligonier, PA. Private interment will be made in the Fort Palmer Cemetery. Online condolences can be made to www.mccabefuneralhomes.pa.com