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BORN
1928
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Glenn Palmer Obituary
Glenn Hunter Palmer, Jr., September 7, 1928-October 1, 2020 was born in Pasadena, California into a military family. As a child his family was deployed abroad to China and the Philippines. Glenn met his future wife, Margaret (Maggie) Warner in high school, while living in Virginia. In addition to Maggie, with whom he had been married for 68 years, he is survived by his son, Glenn, III and his daughter-in-law, Tamar, of State College, PA, and his three grandchildren, Hunter, Einav, and Ethan. He was preceded in death by his son, Randall (Randy), in 1995.
A graduate of West Point, class of '52, Glenn completed 28 years of Regular Army, National Guard and Army Reserve service, serving two tours in Korea and Japan, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Glenn had a second career with Caterpillar Tractor Co. His service and work took him and his family around the globe, from TX to Japan, Oklahoma, Illinois, California, Washington State, Minnesota, and Geneva, Switzerland.
Upon retirement in 1985, Glenn began his third career, as a gardener and naturalist, serving as a horticulturalist for a few years at the Peoria, Illinois, zoo. He loved the natural living world and dedicated his later life to caring for plants and sharing his knowledge and experience with others.
A resident of Asheville since 1989, Glenn served multiple terms as president of the Botanical Gardens of Asheville and served as a member of other boards and committees. He volunteered at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, and was active in the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program and the North Carolina Arboretum. For 12 years he was the primary writer for a weekly column that appeared in the Asheville Citizen-Times, "Ask a Gardener" and had a TV spot on WLOS by the same name. In 2013 he was named North Carolina's Master Gardener of the Year. He had a deep curiosity and was a life-long learner, turning his attention to new areas of research - from invasive plants to firescaping to the challenges of gardening in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.
Glenn passed away on the 25th anniversary of his son's death. We like to imagine them together again, sharing Sierra Nevada Torpedo ales (Randy's cold, Glenn's room temperature).
In lieu of flowers, one may want to consider donations to the Botanical Gardens of Asheville or a charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Glenn Palmer
Sponsored by Asheville Mortuary Services.
6 Entries
Sandra Houts
September 27, 2023
Warm memories of this remarkable gentleman persist. My life in Asheville was better for learning from him and enjoying his wit.
Sandra Houts
March 14, 2021
Mr. Palmer was one of the most memorable people I've ever known. So knowledgeable about the Botanical Gardens and The Arboretum, so generous as he shared his knowledge and entertained questions of novices. And, entertaining with his delightful, droll sense of humor. I miss seeing him and enjoying his wit. RIP
Ceil Sanow
October 8, 2020
An all around geeat guy. I would see him tending the veggie boxes around the pool at Belvedere whenever I was there playing Mah Jongg with Maggie and several other friends. You could easily see how the two of them still loved each very much. My heartfelt sympathy for your loss dear Maggie. Love, Ceil
Liz Hathcoat
October 5, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will love you and miss you always. I've known Glenn for several years. He was a warm, caring, funny, helpful, and beautiful man. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Mark & Beth Ball/KHI LLC
October 5, 2020
Maggie we are so very sorry to have learned of the passing of Glenn today. Glenn was a great guy who we have grown to call a friend. We developed a friendship after so many years working together at Belvadere. I would love to chat with him at length about all things flowers and plants and he in turn would do the same but with questions about construction. I pray that your heart be comforted knowing he is planting a beautiful garden in heaven. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Emre Hatipoglu
October 4, 2020
Dear Glenn, I am truly sorry for your thoughts. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you.
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