Bobby Gene Palmer

Bobby Gene Palmer, 84, passed away peacefully March 16, 2017. Bobby, "Bob" was born Oct. 28, 1932, to Daniel W. and Minnie Mae (Everitt) Palmer in Hallowell, KS. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother John W. Palmer. Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn "Kay" Palmer, 4 Children, who were his pride and joy, Vicki Banks, Kenna O'Hara, Sherri Wilson and Flint Palmer, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Grandpa yum yum". Bob was a man of many, many accomplishments and honors. He served in the U.S. Army FA 1954 to 1987 active and reserve, reaching the rank of Colonel (06). His duties included BTRY C.O. BN S-2-BN C.O. TGT. Acquisition Director, Depot Property, and West Point Liaison Officer Western Region DCAS Commander (08). He served in Korean Intel. Courier Military ED. -FA OCS, FA ADV. CRSE, Eng. Survey Special Forces, NBC Weapons Command and General Staff College, Logistics Development Exec. Course. Armed Forces Staff College, Air War College, and Army War College. His bars were pinned by Captain John Vessey who later became chairman of Joint Chiefs under President Ronald Reagan. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Expert M-1, Carbine and Colt 45 Pistol, Meritorious Service Medal, Outstanding Service Certificate, Recognition Certificate Cold War Period. Bob was a great Patriot, to say the least, his record, as you can see and his actions throughout his life speak for itself.
He coached football in the early 60's in Miami, OK and was thrilled when his star athlete Steve Owens went on to become a Heisman Trophy winner and pro ball player. When Bob moved the family to Fullerton, CA., in 1964, he taught school and coached track and cross country at Lowell H.S. in La Habra, CA where he took his teams to State championships. Bob retired from teaching and coaching in 1981 and started his own Driving and Traffic School that was still in business until 2010. His last 30 years have been spent traveling with high school friends to Paris France, The Cayman Islands, an Alaskan Cruise and just seeing the good old U.S. of A with his "child bride" Kay, the love of his life. You could find Bob most Tuesdays at New York Co., previously known as Cipollinis, or Banduccis in the good old days, in Palm Springs singing at the piano bar, his second love. He was also a member of The Elks, The Masonic Lodge, Reserve Officers Association (ROA), American Legion, and The NRA.
Bob was beloved by many, to his family, a true Patriarch of the Palmer Family. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren loved, respected and admired him dearly. He is greatly loved and will be forever remembered and always in our hearts.