Thomas Edward Palmer

Thomas Edward Palmer, 60, passed away Friday January 3, 2014. Tom was born October 26, 1953 to Eldon and Jeane Palmer in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Tom received a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches after graduating from Poplar Bluff High School. Tom spent his entire adult life as a professional counselor. He was a compassionate and effective private counselor, addictions counselor, and opened therapeutic homes for troubled young men. Tom also owned and was innkeeper at the Fleur de Lis Bed and Breakfast in Natchitoches for many years, bringing many guests back year after year with his gracious personality. Tom was devoted to his family, friends, and his “critters”. He loved animals deeply and was especially fond of turtles his entire life. Every place he lived hosted a turtle habitat and people were always bringing new friends to add to his turtle family. He always had a canine companion and these dogs reached legendary status with his clients and guests of the B&B. He touched many lives over the years with his gentle spirit and thoughtful manner and he will be dearly and deeply missed. Those left to cherish his memory include his mother Jeanne Palmer of Creston, his brother and sister-in-law Mike and Barbara Palmer of Shreveport, friend Audrey Shecton of Robeline, best friend Randy Hunter, of Dallas, former wife Harriette Carter Palmer, of Natchitoches. Many cousins, including Barry and Carol Hanners, and their daughters Heather (Randall) Cook, and Erin (Ben) Keyser, all of Natchitoches. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Eldon Palmer. A Memorial Service cherishing Tom's memory will take place on Friday, January 10, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf's a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay. ~Robert Frost