In Memory of

Francis

Allen

Palm

Obituary for Francis Allen Palm

Surrounded by family and friends, Francis Allen Palm entered the presence of his Heavenly Father on April 3rd, 2018. He was 80 years old. He was born in Fargo North Dakota on July 2nd, 1937 to Frank and Hermine Palm. Allen was the oldest of seven children. He graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1955 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from the University of North Dakota (UND). He married Darlene Halvorson on August 8th, 1959.

Major Allen Palm retired from the USAF after 20 years of service. He was an F-4 pilot and pilot instructor who flew numerous aircraft over the course of his career. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he flew 132 successful wartime missions and was a member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon his retirement from active military service he served in the United States Air Force Reserve where he was a liaison for the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“Pastor Al” was the dearly loved pastor of Arvin Assembly of God in Arvin California from 1975-2003. He was a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God for 45 years and served as a presbyter for the Southern San Joaquin section. Following his retirement, he was employed at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri and was actively involved in the Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks.

Al loved life and lived it to the fullest. He adored his wife and loved his children, grandchildren and friends unconditionally. He was a very talented, kind, and tender man. He loved being a pilot, a veteran of the United States Airforce, and pastoring the wonderful people of Arvin Assembly of God. He was an accomplished musician who love singing with his family and friends. His hobbies including making model airplanes, boating on Tablerock lake with family, and spending time at the Air and Military Museum. He loved Jesus more than anything and served his Lord faithfully for 75 years. He spoke of the beauty and joy of heaven his whole life and looked forward to seeing his precious savior.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 58 years, Darlene Halvorson Palm of Springfield, Missouri. His three children, Dr. Melody Palm of Springfield, Missouri, Valerie Damron and her husband Paul Damron, and Vance Palm all of Bakersfield, California. “Grandpa Al” was blessed with seven grandchildren. Cooper Damron of Nashville Tennessee, and Crosby Damron of Bakersfield, California. Maria, Sophia, Ava, Trinidad and Noah Palm of Bakersfield, California. Siblings Don Palm, Elinor “Tootie” Wical, and Frank Palm of Fargo, North Dakota. He is proceeded in death by three of his younger brothers Kent, Dave, and Paul Palm.

His memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 12th, at 11:00 AM at the Assembly of God Theological Seminary (AGTS) at 1435 North Glenstone Springfield, Missouri. There will be a time of remembrance and reflection from 10:30-11:00 to view his life story in pictures and memorabilia. Dr. Byron Klaus, (Retired President of AGTS) will officiate. Pallbearers will be Vance Palm, Paul Damron, Cooper Damron, Terry Freeman, Kip Hearron, Terry Hearron. Honorary pallbearers will be brothers Don and Frank Palm and grandson Trinidad Palm. He will be interned at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery at 1:00 PM

A celebration of life service will be held at Family Community Fellowship.in Bakersfield California on May 11th at 4:00 PM.
The entire Palm family would like to thank the incredible staff at Mt. Vernon Veteran’s Home for their wonderful care these past three years. Intrepid Healthcare and Patti with hospice were a special gift. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to, the Alzheimer’s Association, AGTS Leaders Fund, or Wounded Warriors.