Wareham Walmart’s Beloved Longtime Greeter Passes Away

WAREHAM (WBSM) — A man who welcomed shoppers into the Wareham Walmart for many years has passed away.

Donald R. Palker passed away on September 20 after a long illness. He was 84.

Palker was the greeter at the Wareham Walmart for many years when it was located in the Cranberry Plaza. Few passed through the doors of the store without a smile and a warm hello from Donald, and children always looked forward to getting the trademark Walmart smiley-face sticker from him.

He would even give them to adults if you asked nicely.

Palker also worked in other parts of the store as well. This writer can recall Palker working in the sporting goods section of the store, and his diligence when duplicating keys on the key-cutting machine.

In April 2016, Palker was recognized in the Walmart associates’ magazine for his 20 years of service to the Wareham Walmart.

Get our free mobile app

According to his obituary, Palker was a Newark, New Jersey native who moved to Wareham in 1979 and worked in advertising sales for newspapers before his retirement.

Palker was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Damien Council 4190 in Mattapoisett and the Sippican Rod and Gun Club. Donald enjoyed photography and traveling, especially to Bermuda.

Palker is survived by his wife Kathy, his three children, his two step children, his brother, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Walmart may have eliminated the position of “people greeter” from many of its stores, but Donald Palker will always remain the standard bearer for those who held the title.