Matthew Wade Palmer, 51, of Marion, died suddenly on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at St. Lukes Hospital in Cedar Rapids.  A celebration of life gathering will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW, where there will be 7 p.m. military rites in Matthew's honor.

Matthew was born August 29, 1966 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of James and Mary Lou (Glover) Palmer.  He proudly served in the United States Army.  He earned a degree in Electronic Engineering at IET in Paducah, Kentucky.  Matthew was united marriage to Jennifer Griggs on August 23, 2000 in Jamaica.  Matthew worked at Rockwell Collins a test tech for over eighteen years. He enjoyed riding his Vespa and being with his family.

Matthew is survived by his wife Jennifer; his children Tyler Palmer and Lacy Palmer both of Murphysboro, Illinois, Bella and Samuel Palmer of Marion; two grandchildren Mason and Landen; his mom Mary Lou Alford of Joplin, Missouri; his sister Michelle (Brad) Price of Cave in Rock, Illinois; as well as his nieces and nephews.

Matthew was preceded in death by his father and a brother Mark Palmer.

Memorials may be directed to the family.