DeKALB – Dee Palmer, the longtime conductor of the DeKalb Municipal Band, died Sunday at age 97 in his Sycamore home.
Born in 1915, Palmer spent his entire life bringing joy to other people through music. He gave up the life of a professional musician in 1948 and returned to his hometown of DeKalb to become director of the community band, a post he held for more than 60 years.
Palmer followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps to get involved with the band. Palmer conducted his first concerts as the band's official leader in 1948.
The band, which today has approximately 50 members, has performed in the DeKalb area since 1854 and claims to be one of the oldest continuous bands in Illinois. The concerts are sponsored by the city and the DeKalb Park District.
Palmer, a trumpet player, also played an active role in teaching and promoting music throughout the region.
Palmer conducted his last song – "The Star Spangled Banner" – at the band's final performance in August. He had been absent most of the season due to a left arm injury and was uncertain whether or he would retire.
At that final concert, Palmer reminisced about the first time he took the stage 63 years ago, saying when he opened his first paycheck, he was a little disappointed – not because of the money but because his position description said "temporary."
"Sixty-three years has gone by. Last week, I opened my paycheck and it said 'part time' and 'temporary,'" he said. "So I guess I'm never going to have a steady job."
Band members said Palmer's legacy will live on, not only with the Hopkins Park band shell dedicated in his honor and a statue of Palmer standing near the stage, but in the band's influence to DeKalb County music.
"It'll always be his band from now until eternity, as far as I'm concerned," DeKalb Municipal Band member and lead trombone player Kirk Lundbeck told the Daily Chronicle before Palmer's last concert.
Arrangements are pending at Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak St. in DeKalb. Call 815-758-3841 for more information.