Ralph Palmer

1926 - 2014

Rev. Dr. Ralph Palmer, 88, passed away Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014. Memorial service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at South Hills Christian Church. Missionary, minister, teacher, author, husband, and father, Dr. Palmer had many titles. Born in California, he met his wife, Mary Maxine, while at TCU with the U.S. Navy during World War II. They were ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1947 and married Aug. 30, 1948. They served as missionaries to the Yakama Reservation, Jamaica, and Chinatown, N.Y., and for four years in Japan. He then worked for the Disciples of Christ mission board. He served as senior pastor of many churches and taught at Jarvis Christian College. He wrote several books. He loved history, science, art and life. His humor and tales of his adventures entertained many. Survivors: Wife, Mary Maxine; brother, Louis Palmer; daughter, Angella and husband, Mike Branch; daughter, Celeste Palmer; grandchildren, Yvonne, JT, Tamica, Anthony and Bianca Branch; and many nieces and nephews.