Clawson City Councilman Who Died Two Days Before Election 'Loved His City'

An incumbent on the Clawson City Council who died two days before the Nov. 5 election was buried Friday.

Thomas Palmer, 71, finished third in the election. He died Sunday at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak of pancreatic and liver cancer, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Palmer garnered 985 votes, according to unofficial results, while challengers Deborah Wooley and Jim Horton gathered 1,183 and 1,077 votes, respectively, to win the two open seats on the Clawson City Council.

Palmer had served as a city councilman off and on since 1973, Mayor Pro Tem Howie Airriess told the newspaper. “He was a great friend; he was a great councilman,” Airriess said. “He loved his city.”

Palmer had a long career with General Motors, retiring in September 2004, but continuing as a consultant for GM’s Lake Orion plant. He worked until January, when he learned of his cancer diagnosis. According to his full obituary in the Daily Tribune, he was regarded by many GM employees as a menor.

In addition to his service as an elected council member, he was a past member of the Clawson Planning Commission and Clawson Development Authority; a past president of the Schalm Elementary School PTA and a former member of Southfield Community Players. He was a member of the Clawson Jaycees and a former Scout Master of Pack No. 1095 of Clawson, and also had been a youth baseball coach and volunteer firefighter.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Palmer; two sons, John (Kristine) Palmer and Brian (Julie) Palmer; three grandchildren and two-stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Palmer; his parents, Edward and Clara Palmer; and a half brother and half sister, Dean Schupeach and Eileen Lawrence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clawson Goodfellows, P.O. Box 239, Clawson, MI 48017.