Obituary of Elton C. Palmerton

Elton C. Palmerton of Fox Run, Orchard Park, NY formally of Eden, NY passed away on Sunday November 27, 2011 at Mercy Hospital, Buffalo. He was born in Eden in 1920 to Jay G. and Viva (Leland) Palmerton. Elton lived and worked and raised his family in Eden, contributing in many ways to his hometown. Through school and on into adulthood sports were an important part of his life. He served as president for 11 years of the Lake Shore Baseball League and was inducted into the Eden School Sports Hall of Fame. After graduating from Eden High School, Elton earned a BBA from Fenn College. He served as a Lieutenant in the US Navy during WWII and in the Naval Reserves following the war. During the war Elton was assigned to Mine Force in San Francisco and then sent to the South Pacific where he participated in the invasion of Borneo. He married the former Frances Nichols in 1957. Elton entered into the his family's insurance and real estate business in Eden, Palmerton Agency, started by his grandfather and continued up until his retirement in 2001. Elton was involved in many business and fraternal organizations over the years. He was Past President and a member since 1954 of Eden-North Collins Rotary; Past Commander and Life Member of the Newell-Faulkner Post 880 American Legion; a Life Member of the Eden Memorial VFW Post 8265; Past President and member since 1951 of the Eden Chamber of Commerce; member since 1943 of Fortune Lodge, F & A M. Charter Member and Past Director of Gowanda Country Club; Past President and member of the Eden Historical Society, Past Trustee of the Eden Cemetery Association and an active member of St. Johns United Church of Christ where he also sang in the choir. In addition to his wife Frances, Elton is survived by a son, John Jay Palmerton and his wife Zoe of Holland, NY, a daughter, Jane Ann Groves and her husband Mark of Malvern, PA. two granddaughters, Sarah Jane Groves and Holly Ann Palmerton and a brother, E. William Palmerton and his wife Shirley of Eden, NY as well as several nieces and nephews. Elton is predeceased by his brother Leland Palmerton. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and again on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Laing Funeral Home Inc. 2724 W. Church St. Eden where funeral services will take place on Friday at 1:00 PM. Military and graveside services will follow at Eden Evergreen Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers memorials in Elton's honor may be made to the Eden Library 2901 E. Church St. Eden NY 14057.