Leslie M. Palm

Major General Leslie M. Palm (Ret.), we all lost a best friend. Leslie Mather Palm passed away peacefully from Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis at 80, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, surrounded by family.

Les was born and raised in Marysville, CA, to Ralph Leslie and Marjorie (Mather) Palm. He was the big brother to Steve, Buford, GA, and Cheryl.

Les graduated from Marysville High School in 1962, where he was student body president and outstanding athlete.

He attended University of Oregon in 1966, on a football scholarship, playing both offense and defense. In 1965, he was named a preseason All American defensive back. Les also was a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

He married Suzanne Abts Palm March 4, 1967, in Oroville, CA. He began his distinguished United States Marine Corps career in 1966, graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1967, and ultimately rising to Major General over his 31 plus years of service.

From December 1967 to December 1968, Les served in Vietnam as a Forward Observer, Fire Direction Officer in the 1st Battalion, 13th Marines at Khe Sahn.

Major Gen. Palm had various assignments at Headquarters Marine Corps. In August 1990, he took command of the 10th Marines and participated in Operations Desert Shield and Storm followed by a December 1991 promotion to Brigadier General.

B. Gen. Palm assumed command of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, CA, in August 1994, followed by the promotion to Major General in 1995.

Retiring in 1998, he assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Corps Association in Quantico, VA.

He retired fully in 2010, moving with Suzanne to Charlotte, NC, in 2012.

Les was a devout Catholic. He enjoyed volunteering for the church and for Charlotte's needy and homeless organizations.

He was a proud board member of the St. Bonaventure University Board of Trustees. Les was a lifelong gardener to include his special love of orchids. He also enjoyed walking with Suzanne throughout their marriage.

He is survived by his dear wife, of 57 years, Suzanne Abts Palm; daughter, Tori Bayer; son, Brian Palm; and five wonderful grandchildren, Emory Bayer, Colin Bayer, Tyler Palm, Josephine Bayer, and Cassie Palm; sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Randy Clark in Modesto, CA; brother-in-law, Dr. Pedro Sanchez in Falmouth, MA; and many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:45 am Friday, February 21, 2025, at St Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd in Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Les to Roof Above P.O. Box 31335, Charlotte, NC, 28231, and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 909 N. Washington St, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606.