Zach A. Palmer

Zach Adin Palmer, 91, of Kim passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at AVRMC Nursing Care Center in La Junta. Zach was born on the homestead February 2, 1923, son of the late Adin and Alice (Lloyd) Palmer. Raised during the depression, he lived practically and fixed many things with baling wire.


He was a farmer and rancher spending most of his life around Kim. He met many folks through his sale of cedar posts he cut from his property with an ax. In addition to tending his own ranch, Zach worked for The Colorado Bank and Trust for several years inspecting livestock. In December 1993, he was recognized for his 20 years of service with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS), where he spent 11 as a field representative and nine on the county committee.

Zach married Helen Rodighiero on July 26, 1941, and they soon started a family. They had 3 daughters and a son.


Zach takes with him a talent for card games and an enjoyment for visiting with others. For many years, he was active at Kim Senior Citizens, where you could find him playing for nickels at the pitch tables. He was a member of the Kim Baptist Church.


He is survived by his children, Beverly Palmer of Cañon City, Maxine (Gary) Russell of Kim, Debbie (David) Ast of Topeka, Kan., and Jerry (Deann) Palmer of Kim; sisters, Arlene (Bill) Mizer of Kim, Ruth Goodrich of La Junta, Mary (Fred) Jones of Kim; 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Zach was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and his parents.


In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Kim Senior Citizens Center, c/o Mars Combs or to the Kim Fire Dept., c/o John Cranson, Kim, CO, 81049 direct or through the funeral home.


Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Graveside services will be Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta with Reverend Dr. M.J. Romano of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Visitation will be Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.