Stanton D. Palmer, retired news editor of the Chattanooga Free Press, who died recently at the age of 89, had three notable careers in his long life.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, a newspaperman for nearly half a century, and a longtime musician beginning at age 11.
Mr. Palmer, the son of University of Chattanooga education department head Dr. Paul Palmer and Mrs. Palmer, began his professional musical career when he was called upon to play his trumpet with a local dance band on New Year’s Eve when he was only 14.
He played in the bands of Chattanooga High School and the University of Chattanooga, and later played with many touring “name” bands and performers such as Betty Grable of movie fame, and with visiting Broadway shows. For many years, he had his own dance band in Chattanooga. He was noted for his solo trumpet — and vocal — performance of “Mack the Knife.” He also was a trumpet player for many years with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra.
His “second” career began when he entered the U.S. Navy out of UC and became an officer in landing craft in the Pacific Theater of operations.