Charles F. Palma

A baby boy was born on September 24, 1926, on the Palma homestead, one mile west of Williamson, Iowa to Charles L. Palma and Mae J. (Patera) Palma. They named their only son, Charles “Chuck” Frank Palma.
At the age of six, the Williamson Country School teacher paid a visit to Charles and Mae and informed them that Chuck would have to learn English because she had no intention of learning Bohemian. He had many fond memories of his school days. At the end of his eighth grade year, it was decided that Chuck was needed to work fulltime on the family farm. He remained on the farm until his health required him to retire in 1988. Chuck was proud of his custom combining, growing corn and beans, and of his black Angus cattle.
He was given his first accordion at approximately three years old. Chuck never learned to read music and only needed to hear a song once to play it. He earned extra money playing at dances and winning talent shows.
In the fall of 1947, he met Melba Marie Graby on a blind date and fell head over heals in love with her. They were united in marriage on May 1, 1948 and lived on the Palma family farm. To this union were born four children; Linda Marie, Paul Douglas, Judith Mae and David John. The childrens mother passed away in November, 2014.
Chuck had great pride being a fifty year Masonic member of Circle Lodge No.555 in Prescott, Iowa, where he once served as Worshipful Master and also a fifty year member of the Prescott Eastern Star. He was a 32nd Degree Master Mason, member of the Scottish Rite and Za-Ga-Zig Shriners. Much time was spent fund raising for the Shriners Childrens Hospital; dressing up as a clown and riding a three wheeler, helping run the Karousel in parades throughout the state.
After retiring, Chuck enjoyed entertaining at nursing homes and participating in musical jams. He continued playing the accordion until his final days.
At the 2010 Iowa State Fair, Chuck was honored to receive the Century Farm Award with all of his family present. The farm remains in the family to this day.
Throughout his lifetime, Chuck made many friends, loved to visit, share a cup of coffee and a good joke. Most of all, he loved watching his children grow up and was proud of their accomplishments. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he always referred to his great granddaughters as “our babies”.
Chuck is survived by his children: Linda Carmichael (Larry Antisdel), Paul Palma, David Palma and Judy Cross (Forrest). Also surviving are his grandchildren: Jason Cross(Angie), Jared Cross(Monique), Clinton Carmichael (Tammy); great grandchildren: Kally Carmichael, Chloe Cross and Gracie Cross; step-grandchildren: Luke Samo(Kayla), Benji Samo(Katy), Rylan Jackson, Gage Samo, Liam Samo. Special cousins from Chicago and Iowa City also survive.
He was preceeded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Nicole Carmichael and step-grandson, Matt Samo.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Vintage Park Assisted Living Complex in Lenox, Iowa, for their attentive care the past three years.