On Saturday June 28th, after 88 years of living, the Lord decided it was time to bring Ira Elton Palmer Jr home and he would pass peacefully in Albany Medical Center Born on April 5 1937 in Hudson Hospital to Ira and Verna Palmer, Ira or Elton as many would know him would become a local in the area. Eltons early life would be defined by farm life and the church activities he enjoyed doing with his aunt and grandmother. At a young age he would go to work to support his family in his father's place.

Over the years Elton would work at many different places and though he never traveled internationally he traveled extensively down south. Elton would often speak fondly of his trip to Appalachia, of the experiences and people he met while there.

Later in life Elton would find employment at the Columbia County Fair, where he would become head of maintenance. The fair would become a huge part of Eltons life and his family. Even after his retirement the highlight of the year would be the 6 day fair and seeing all his old acquaintances, who many would call him 'sherlock' for his uncanny ability to solve problems.

In his retirement Elton didn't slow down one bit, to stay busy he would start a mowing business taking care of several local cemeteries and would become even more active in the church. In addition to church picnics, vbs's and other activities, Elton with his family and others would run the Masters puppeteers. An outreach ministry using puppets to deliver the word of God to nursing homes and other events.

Even in his final years Elton still stayed active in the church and at home, often joking how his mind said "Go Go" but his body said "No No". He fought to the end to stay independent and only in the final months of his life was that taken from him.

Even though heaven is richer with him, we will miss him dearly. Elton is survived by his wife Sharon, his daughter Sarah and his sons Matthew and David. Elton disliked pomp and ceremony so in his honor sometime this summer we'll host a celebration of life/BBQ like the many church picnics he loved to host.