Longtime Malibu resident Frank “Bud” Palmer died in his sleep Nov. 14 at his home in Leisure Village, Camarillo. He was 95.
Palmer was born Aug. 23, 1913 in Aberdeen, S.D., and moved to Los Angeles during the Depression where he worked as a diamond setter and jeweler. He married Grace Bishop in 1939 and served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II in France. After returning, he started a family and became a jeweler for Prentice Ball Diamond Setters and Ballard & Ballard before going into business for himself as Frank D. Palmer, Jeweler. In 1974 Frank partnered with Herman Widen at Widen Brothers Jewelers and later with Harry Wolf & Sons Diamonds before retiring.
After the death of his wife, Palmer purchased property in Malibu where he and his son, Jim, developed Malibu Vineyards, one of Malibu’s Gold Medal-winning, premium wine vineyards.
He is survived by his sons, Jim and John, and grandson, Jonny.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Perez Funeral Home in Camarillo. The telephone number is 805.484.6365.