Lewis County native, Austin Leon Palmer, 18, passed away Jan. 13, 2019, as the result of an automobile accident. Austin was born July 28, 2000, the youngest child of Terry and Debbi Palmer of Winlock. A bright young man with a heart-melting smile, Austin was just beginning to embrace adulthood.
Family was everything to Austin. He loved preparing kalua pig for family luaus, a tradition passed down four generations by his great-grandfather. A 2018 Napavine High School graduate, Austin loved football and baseball, but bonfires, hiking and “4x4-ing” in the mud and snow were his life passions. Equal parts stubborn and sweet, Austin was the first to help a friend (or stranger) in need.
In addition to his parents, Austin is survived by his sisters, Amanda Taylor (and Sam Redden) and Allie Palmer (and daughter, Haylee); a great-grandfather, Elvest Rowland; his grandparents, Ted and Frances Palmer and Jimmie and Patsy Taylor; several aunts and uncles: Bruce and Kyong Hee Taylor, Sandy Freeman, and Tammy and Kevin Zigler; and a circle of cherished friends and extended family.
A celebration of Austin’s life will take place at 3 p.m., Jan. 25, 2019, at the Church of Latter-day Saints on Henriot Rd., Toledo, Wash. Dinner and one of Austin’s beloved bonfires will immediately follow. Friends and family are encouraged to wear jeans and flannel shirts and to jot down a memory to share. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that loved ones plant a tree, or toss a log on the bonfire in Austin’s memory. An account has been set up at www.gofundme.com/austin-palmer-burial-fund to help the family during this difficult time.
