Tony Palmer

Tony Ray Palmer, 72, born April 25, 1953, passed away May 14, 2025, at home in Zanesville. He was born in Grove City, Ohio, and lived in Adamsville and Zanesville all his life. He was a 1973 graduate of Tri-Valley High School.

He worked for 32 years at Goodwill Industries in Zanesville, primarily at its Maple Avenue location. His friendly manner and excellent work ethic were well known by all who knew him.

Tony retired in 2016 and enjoyed traveling and camping with his family, visiting with family members, watching movies and TV, and listening to oldies rock ‘n roll. Some of his favorite places to visit were Branson, Mo., Sevierville, Tenn., the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton and Ohio Amish Country. He also enjoyed camping with family members both in his growing up years at many national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore, and as an adult at many Ohio state parks, including Dillon and Salt Fork.

Tony was enthusiastic about keeping track of sports team statistics and cheering on his favorite football teams, the Miami Dolphins and The Ohio State University Buckeyes.

He is survived by his brother, Russell Wayne (Debora) Palmer of Zanesville, his sister Sandra Jane (Kenneth) Drenten of Zanesville, his niece Rebecca Dawn Knicely of Zanesville, nephews Matthew (Amanda) Palmer of Adamsville, Brian (Sarah) Palmer of Dresden, Cory (Melissa) Palmer of Zanesville, Jared (Ariel) Palmer of Adamsville; and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews and two great-great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

He is also survived by step-nephew Matt (Bre) Drenten of Johnstown, step-niece Hilary (Jason) Ferguson of Sunbury, and in-law relatives, Shirlie Drenten of Zanesville, Doug (Elaine) Drenten of Lexington, S.C., and their children Jenna and Kai, Bob (Lori) Drenten of Hilliard and their children Stephanie and Deanna, and Debra Buhlmann-Drenten of Zurich, Switzerland; and five step-great nieces and nephews.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Orin Lucius Palmer Jr. and his mother, Betty Lenore Palmer (Price), his grandparents Orin Sr. and Avis Palmer, and Gerald and Ercel Price, and many aunts and uncles.

The family is grateful for the assistance and support of his home health caregivers and nurses and the dedicated staff of The Carr Center over the past several years. They all made his life, and our family’s lives, richer and fuller because of their relationships with Tony. We are especially appreciative of the efforts made by the Carr Center and Shrivers Hospice to allow Tony to achieve his wish to celebrate his most recent birthday with family members with lunch at Dutch Valley Restaurant in Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Visitors may call from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, and 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, prior to funeral services at 12:00 Noon, at THE BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE. Pastor Andy Winters of Zanesville Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, and Pastor Joe Rowland, chaplain for Shrivers Hospice, will officiate and Russell Palmer will provide the eulogy.

Interment will be immediately following funeral services at Adamsville Baptist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations be made to the The Carr Center, 1035 Beverly Ave., Zanesville, Ohio 43701 and in-kind donations (no money) to Shrivers Hospice in Zanesville.

To send a note of condolence, order flowers, or comfort food please: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at 740-452-4551.