Lt. Col. John Kenneth Palmer, USAF (Ret.), 82, formerly of Mohawk, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2005, in Albuquerque, N.M., where he has resided for many years. John was born and raised in Mohawk, son of the late Earl and Ethel Palmer. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bettie F. Palmer. John entered the Armed Forces following high school, retiring from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He later served as district executive with the Boy Scouts of America in Albuquerque, and was very active in the Host Lions Club. Survivors include his daughter, Karyn Palmer of Albuquerque; his son, Kent Palmer of Lafayette, La.; grandson, Jaxon Palmer; one sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth "Betty" (Palmer) and James "Jim" Brannigan of North Carolina; one brother and two sisters-in-law, Kenneth "Ken" and Sharon Palmer of Mohawk and Gloria Palmer, also of Mohawk; also his nieces, nephews and cousins. John was predeceased by his parents, wife Bettie and brother, Robert "Bob" Palmer. Funeral services with full military honors were held Thursday, March 31, in Albuquerque, with interment in Santa Fe National Cemetery, N.M. Those wishing to do so may consider memorial contributions in John's name to the American Heart Association of New Mexico, P.O. Box 90790, Albuquerque, N.M. 87199-0790. Local assistance is by the Graves-Applegate-Day Funeral Home, Mohawk.