Palmer Mars Scott, Jr.

Palmer Mars Scott, Jr., of Florence, Montana, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by those who loved him.

Palmer was born on May 21, 1930, in Dodson, Montana, to Palmer M. and Emma C. Hinrecksen Scott. He spent his childhood in Dodson and Loring, where rural values instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community.

He earned a teaching certificate from Northern Montana College in Havre and taught at a high school in Saco where he met his first wife, Darlene Johnsrud, and started to build a family.

During the Korean War, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving for two years as a cryptographic specialist at Enewetak Atoll in the South Pacific. He later accepted a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve, where he served for more than 20 years before retiring with the rank of Commander. His dedication to service inspired two of his sons and three of his grandchildren to serve in the United States military.

Palmer earned his doctorate in education from Indiana University in 1972. He worked for the Montana Department of Public Instruction before serving as a principal in Helena and Missoula. Throughout his 42-year career, he became known for his compassion, integrity and unwavering belief in young people. As principal, his leadership and kindness left a lasting impression on generations of students, colleagues, teachers, and families.

In retirement, Palmer and his wife, Shirley, traveled extensively, sharing a love of history, genealogy, and discovering new places together. Above all, Palmer cherished time with loved ones. A day spent with family, friends, or his church community was a day well spent. Those lucky enough to have known him will remember he always offered a hand to help or an ear to listen. He celebrated the accomplishments of others as if they were his own, and in difficult moments, reminded us of better days were around the bend. 

Palmer is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Shirley; his children and stepchildren: P. Mars Scott and wife Elaine of Missoula; Sonja Scott of Helena; Kirk Scott of Helena; Pamela Scott and husband Jesse Whitford of Clancy; Garth Scott and wife Michelle of Florence; Harold Dingman; Sherry Dingman; Marcy Winters; and Bryon Dingman. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers, Duane Scott and wife Esther of Clatskanie, Oregon; Edgar  Scott and wife Kathleen of Butte; and Ronald Scott and wife Cindy of Malta. He was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Emma Scott, and his sisters, Doris Scott and Patsy Black.

There will be a public viewing at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Florence Carlton Community Church in Florence, Montana. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the restoration fund for the historic original Florence Carlton Community Church building. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, hospital staff, friends, church members, and neighbors whose compassion, kindness, and support brought comfort during Palmer’s final days.