Terrie Alan Palmer

Terrie Alan Palmer, 59, of St. James passed away on Thursday September 24, 2026, at his home. He was born July 23, 1967, in Ottumwa, Iowa to James LaVerne Palmer and Dora Jane (Hayworth) Palmer. He grew up and attended school his whole life in Iowa. Terrie graduated from Fairfield High School in Iowa in 1985. He met the woman he would spend the rest of his life with at the age of 11 in Fairfield. They went to school together. In 2016 Terrie and Teresa Eileen (Jones) Countryman became engaged. They were to marry when they retired. Terrie embraced fatherhood to three children Teri Lynn (Chris) (Countryman) Cotner, Timothy Jay Countryman, and Thomas “Tommy” Ryan (Chelsi) Countryman. Terries biggest pride and joy was his grandson William Dale Carter.

Terrie worked for many years managing a car dealership in Albia, Iowa. Through a mutual classmate Terrie found Teresa in Missouri. While assisting Teresa with insurance due to an accident that was work related, while in Missouri Lowe’s hired Terrie on the SPOT and that is how he came to be in Missouri. Terrie took great pride in his work. He was a pro specialist supervisor. He loved talking about his job and he was really good at it. He was 400% to plan at one point, so he said repeatedly.

Terrie believed in the Native American ways more so than most other ways. He had his own way in believing things. His hobbies were spending time with his grandson having conversations. They would argue over binoculars and leaf blowers. He loved reading, listening to podcasts, yardwork, flowers, feeding birds, bird watching, cooking, decorating for the holidays, golf, telling some WILD JOKES, and taking care of his fiancé Teresa. Terrie had a fascination with the Sasquatch Podcasts. Also watching movies. When he wanted to annoy his fiancé, he would put on Jay Jay and when Teresa wanted to annoy Terrie she would ignore him because he thought that was rude. The house most nights was a live comedy act. He is greatly missed.

Survivors that Terrie left behind are his fiancé Teresa Eileen (Jones) Countryman of St. James, Teri, William, Chris Cotner of St. James, Thomas (Chelsi) Countryman of St. James, Timothy Countryman of Fort Stewart, Georgia. Terrie is also survived by his loving mom Jane Palmer of Fairfield, Iowa, his brother Rick (Diane) Palmer, Ronnie Palmer (girlfriend Darla, Tommie Palmer, and a sister Julie (Reuben) Carpenter along with several nieces and nephews. He also has a daughter Drew.

Terrie is preceded in death by his father James Palmer, aunt Donna Olson, and his grandparents.

During Terrie’s life one of his many accomplishments was becoming the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club. He had taken great satisfaction and pride in being the Ruler for many years. Upon his retiring from that position as Ruler, he became the EXHALTED RULER. Terrie was a great man that took pride in everything he did. No job was beneath him. He had a BIG heart, he was an AMAZING role model for so many people. He took great care of his appearance. He believed you dressed the part all the time in public. (No pajamas being worn to the store!) SHOES WERE VERY IMPORTANT!! He was quite the comedian and found himself quite funny. He was funny. Some jokes were rather shocking. I have 2 phones, 1 for work and 1 for home. You can only imagine the joke…He came up with. It was quite racey. Quick wit and humor. You never knew what Terrie was going to say