William D. Palmer, age 36, of Wentzville, Mo., born January 30, 1987 in Ft. Campbell, Ky., to Willie and Ruth Ann, nee Koenigs, Palmer, passed away January 17, 2024.

As a youngster, Will soon developed a passion for football that continued throughout his life. He played Little Devils football and high school football at Belleville East. After enlisting in the Marine Corps, he was trained as a corrections officer. Later, he worked as an independent contractor distributing for bakeries such as Bimbo Bakeries and Little Debbie. He also helped manage properties for a local realtor. Among Will's favorite things in life were to play chess with his children Tatum and Teagan, archery, fishing, and Marvel movies. And Mission Tacos was his go-to restaurant.

To most who knew him, Will was a hard-working, fun-loving person who was always there in a time of need.

Will is survived by his loving parents, Significant Other Chelsea Gilstrap and their children Tatum Palmer and Teagan Palmer, daughter Tessa Palmer and her mother Danielle (Billie) Kruep, sisters Rachael (Terrell) Tyson, Lakisha (Kevin) Ralston, and Reva Brown. Chelsea's mother Barbara "Madre" Gilstrap, father Rodney Gilstrap, and brother Kyle Gilstrap also survive. He is also survived by a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Harlean and Floyd Smith, Sr., his maternal grandparents Angeline and Herman Koenigs, cousins Floyd Smith, III and Joseph Palmer, aunts, and uncles.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, January 26, 2024 in the chapel at First Baptist Church O'Fallon (SEVEN HILLS ENTRANCE) followed by funeral service at 12 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Doug Munton, officiating.