Crist Palmer, 63, well-known resident of Canton, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday September 16, 2023, with the love of his family gathered by his side. Allen Crist Palmer Jr. was born September 2, 1960, in Troy. He was a son of the late Allen "Shorty" and Margaret Louise (Case) Palmer and the adoptive son of the late Marvin and Harriet (Palmer)t Hoover.  He attended Canton Area Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1978. During high school Crist excelled and lettered in Warrior football and wrestling. His wrestling career earned him a spot in the Northeast Sectional Hall of Fame which was presented at sectionals in Athens. On June 14, 1980, Crist married the former Diane Bown in Troy. Together they shared 43 years of marriage and raised three children. Crist was a very hard and dedicated worker.

He owned and operated Bradford County Sanitation Services from acquiring the company in 1980 until the time of his passing. Crist held many memberships in the area including the Alba Church of Christ, Armenia Mountain Debating Society, Leroy Sportsman's Association, the NRA, Trojan Lodge No. 306 F&A.M. where he honorably served as past master, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Towanda, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Williamsport Consistory, Valley Gun and Country Club, "PSSA" (Penn State Shotgun Association), Canton Moose Lodge 429, Red Run Rod and Gun Club, Sons of American Legion in Troy, Canton Rod and Gun Club, Blossburg's Hillside Rod and Gun Club, Bradford Sullivan Farm Bureau, and was the Park Cemetery Association President. Crist was also awarded by the Department of Agriculture, Friends of the Pennsylvania State Fair Association on July 30, 2021, for his commitment to the Troy Fair.

A true outdoorsman Crist had a passion for trap shooting and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He looked forward to riding motorcycle in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. Restoring cars was another past time he enjoyed, and he treasured his Corvette. Mowing and keeping an immaculate yard was very rewarding for Crist. An avid sports fan he was always in the crowd cheering on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. Crist was a very social man, who always had a story to tell. Most of all, Crist loved his family and many friends endlessly.

Crist leaves behind his wife Diane, at home, children; Nate (Raelynne) Palmer of Troy, Nick (Nikki) Palmer of Canton and Heather Palmer (Chad Chamberlain) of Media, grandchildren; Madison, Reed, Marley, Meredith, Haylee, Libby, Elton and Drake, siblings; Scott (Robin) Palmer of Canton, Sandi (Richard) Sturge of New Smyrna Beach, Fl., Gregory (Kim) Hoover of Manlius, NY., Rick (Cheri) Hoover of Troy and Laurie (David) Heininger of State College, step brother; Brad (Valerie) Ward of Vero Beach, Fl., as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous dear friends.

Besides his parents, Crist was predeceased by his stepmother, Nancy (Foust) Palmer and a stepbrother, Bob Ward.

A time of visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Victory Church, 645 E. Main Street, Troy, PA 16947. A memorial service to honor Crist's life will follow at 3 p.m. at the church. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Palmer's name may be directed to the Park Cemetery Association, 11921 Route 14, Canton, PA 17724 or to a cemetery association of your choice. Memories of Crist and condolences to his family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

To our family, friends, and surrounding communities:

On behalf of our beloved Crist Palmer, we want to thank each of you for your love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and encouragement that has been displayed the last four years in our time of need. Crist was loved by so many. He set the example of what it meant to love your neighbor and community. So many of you have come to us with stories of how Crist helped you in a time of need, encouraged you through a difficult season, or simply sat and listened when you needed someone who cared.

On behalf of the entire Palmer Family, it is our hope that Crist's legacy lives on. May we appreciate his selflessness and allow his example to be a model for our own lives. Crist brought the community's together through a singular focus for unity, brotherhood, and love. Your demonstration of those principles has been an incredible comfort to our family. We had no idea the extent of Crist's impact until the cards, flowers, notes and messages started pouring in.

We are eternally grateful to be part of this community. We cannot thank you enough for gathering around us at this time. May we keep Crist's memory alive by loving others, doing good for those around us, living life to the fullest and most importantly never giving up without a fight.

Sincerely,

The Palmer Family