A Father’s Day Story: Warren Palmer

Father’s Day is a celebration of special bonds and gives dads the opportunity to reflect on the many joys and the challenges of fatherhood.  

According to History.com, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Washington State on June 19, 1910. A woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd came up with the idea of honoring and celebrating her father while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at church in 1909. She felt as though mothers were getting all the acclaim and fathers were equally deserving of a day of praise.

For Warren Palmer, Asset Manager of REDICO and American House, there are a lot of reasons to celebrate fatherhood – seven, in fact! As the patriarch of this large family, Warren considers fatherhood the foundation of who he is. “It’s the lens through which I look at the world. I provide for my children through my work, I protect them and teach them by whom I associate with and how I conduct myself. And although I am not always perfect, I hope that they see what I’m striving to be and imitate that part of me.”

Warren’s story begins in Munich, Germany, where he was born. His father was stationed there as an officer in the U.S. Army and, as is typical of many military families, this would not be their only address. In fact, before he went to college, Warren lived in 17 different places all over the world.

While living in Bangkok, Warren had the opportunity to spend time in Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Vietnam, the Philippines, China and India. “Living in Asia and visiting so many countries gave me an incredible education and perspective on different cultures,” explained Warren. It was also the place that holds special memories of his own dad. “Dad and I went to Hong Kong and since it was just the two of us, it felt really great. We were walking along the street at night, vendors were selling paintings and I got to pick out my own painting. It was very special. I remember everything about that night, and I just felt on top of the world in that moment.”

Warren’s father’s last assignment was at the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command in Warren, Michigan. After all his travels, Warren is happy to call Michigan home. It’s where he met the love of his life, his wife, Vicky, an East Detroit native.

“We joke that after the first time we met she wondered how anybody could be normal who moved 17 times. I wondered how anybody could be normal who never moved once,” Warren laughed.

Together, Warren and Vicky have seven sons, Dan, Marty and John (twins), Mike, Kevin, Paul and Brian. He decided that with a brood this large, joining in on the things they liked to do would keep him involved in their lives. When the boys where younger, Warren was a Boy Scout leader for 17 years and he also coached youth football.

Following in the footsteps of their grandfather, five of Warren’s sons have served, or are serving, in the military. Four graduated from the Military Academy at West Point; a fifth son became a priest and then a military chaplain. They have had numerous combat deployments and, between them, have earned multiple Bronze Stars and other awards for bravery. One son even has a Purple Heart!

Warren spends quality time with his children, maintaining his tried-and-true philosophy of doing the things they like to do. He stays active in their lives, whether it’s hunting, golfing, completing the swimming portion of their triathlon relays or—of course—doting on his five amazing grandchildren.

When asked what advice he would offer a new parent, Warren says, “Kids will do things they shouldn't and sometimes they get in more trouble than other times. Just know that while they may have done something wrong, that’s just a small part of who they are. Always be there for them, and always have hope.”  

If you’d like to start your next chapter caring for others and putting smiles on the faces of those around you, there are positions available at American House…probably one right around the corner.

We all have a story. A story that taught us something, changed us and helped define who we are. Our seniors have amazing stories that hold a wealth of wisdom. At American House, your next chapter is waiting to be written. We’re here to help you write it. Your way.