Richard E. 'Shorty' Palmer, 73 MARDELA SPRINGS, Md. - Richard E. "Shorty" Palmer, age 73, of Mardela Springs, formerly of Frankford, Del., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford. He was born in Augusta, Maine, son of the late Charles and Emma (Jarman) Palmer. He worked in the Maintenance Department at Perdue Poultry in Bishopville, Md., retiring after 16 years of service. Shorty loved baseball and was an avid Yankees Fan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his family member, Michael Davidson . He is survived by his family, Judy and Bob Shanahan, Mike and Vanessa Davidson, Karen and Paul Prettyman, Linda Hampton, Tasker, Noah, Raymond, Brian, Courtney, Amber, Kristin, Crystal, Tristen and Chelsea. A funeral service will be noon, Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher Street, Frankford, where friends may call after 11 a.m. Burial will be in Buckingham Cemetery in Berlin, Md. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to help defray funeral expenses to, Melson Funeral Services, P.O. Box 100, Frankford, DE 19945. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.