Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Palmer Obituary
Kodak, TN
Robert Gerald Palmer, age 79, of Kodak, TN, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2015. Bob was born May 25, 1936 in Phillips, WI. He graduated from Phillips High School and found his way to Hiwassee College, where he met the love of his life, Doris. After graduating, they were married on January 25, 1957. He then received his B.S. and M.S. in Soil Science from the University of TN and Ph.D from Iowa State University. During Bob's life, he pastored for a year at Halls Crossroads UMC and two years at Trundles Crossroads UMC. He taught at Iowa State University and worked for the Extension Services at Oklahoma State University. He spent 2 years in India with UT/USAID contract and one and a half years in Brazil with Southern IL U/FAO contract. He also taught at Western IL University. He was co-owner of Key Agricultural Services, Macomb, IL. In addition, he was Agronomy Mgr. 18 years with Pioneer Hi-Bred International in Tipton, IN and Huntsville, AL. He authored numerous publications, including a Soils Laboratory Manual. He also taught Sunday School for almost 40 years. Bob felt God's claim on his life was teaching in numerous ways. He desired that the life he lived be his testimony, believing that actions speak louder than words. Bob and Doris also spent 22 years as a presenting couple on weekends for Marriage Encounter United Methodist.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Gerald and Leona Margora Hill Palmer; brother and wife, Raymond LeRoy and Sharon Palmer; brother-in-law, L.A. "Tony" Caron; father and mother-in-law, Carl and Irma McMahan Denton; step-mother-in-law, Bertha Lou Latham Denton; brothers-in-law, Rex Carl and Glenn McMahan Denton, and wife, Mildred; sister-in-law, Mildred Virginia Denton Price and husband, Burl. Survivors: wife of nearly 59 years, Doris Leah Denton Palmer; children, Wesley Rene and wife, Flora Palmer, Circle Pines, MN, Robert Gerald Palmer, Jr. and wife, Heather Palmer, Knoxville, TN, Virginia Denise Jarrett and husband, Cory, Tipton, IN; grandchildren, Bryce Carl and Mariah Jewell Palmer, Sierra Taylor and Rowan Mackenzie Palmer, Houston Lake and Sciler Grady Jarrett; sister, Marjorie Ann Caron, Bismarck, ND; brother, Ronald Wayne and wife, Carol Palmer, Phillips, WI; sister-in-law, Sarah Lee "Sue" Denton, Johnson City, TN; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends at Kodak United Methodist Church from 11:00-1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2015 with the service to follow the visitation with Rev. Dr. Brad Hyde and Rev. Ted Witt officiating. Interment will follow at Middle Creek Cemetery, Pigeon Forge, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hiwassee College, 225 Hiwassee College Dr. Madisonville, TN 37354, Wears Valley Ranch, 3601 Lyon Springs Road, Sevierville, TN 37862, Kodak United Methodist Church, 2923 Bryon Road, Kodak, TN 37764. Funeral-related services provided by McCarty Funeral Directors, Sevierville, 774-2950.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Palmer
Sponsored by betty oelhafen.
Dale Denton
October 31, 2019
I miss driving up the hill to visit and having lunch and looking at the Mountains, so beautiful.
December 2, 2015
Doris and Family,
I know you must miss your Bob very much. God has so blessed you and Bob with a full life together serving Him. You two have squeezed more out of God's gift of marriage than most could if they were given twice the time. It goes with out saying that that is only made possible by your submission to Christ as your Center, your Sustainer.
Knowing Bob, he would not have wanted to leave you to have to finish alone. I know you are not alone... but alone as in missing your partner of so many years. You two communicated as freely as if you were two thoughts in one head. I am sure he asked God to change His plans more than once so that you could cross the finish together. My limited knowing God... if He answered differently then it must be for His glory. Bob is probably finding out first hand from the Lord why his prayer was answered differently.
When you entered into marriage covenant ... you vowed to run together as a team ... on His team. Doris, now you are running the anchor position in the last leg of this relay race. Bob passed the baton to you as he entered His rest. Now is cheering you on from the stands depending on how you exegete the passage. 'You can do it Doris!'
Heb 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
With each season as you round the corners of the track... set your eyes on Jesus who offered His life so that you (and Bob) may continue to live with Him... and continue to run for His glory. We are rooting for your team and learn by your example.
Love,
Bob and Suzanne Achgill
December 2, 2015
November 9, 2015
Lewis & I send our deepest sympathy to you & all the family! Bob's faith & his dedication to helping others was obvious in all that he did! We remember fondly the wonderful days we shared at Pioneer! My God bless you all as you go through this difficult time... With love, freida & Lewis Parker
November 8, 2015
Doris, I wish to extend to you and your family our condolences on Bob's passing. I shall maintain the fond memories that I have when I visited in the summers on the farm. He was a soft spoken and wonderful cousin, I shall miss him. Love, Cousin Ric
Tracy Connor-Olson
November 8, 2015
Mr. Palmer was kind enough to show me love and grace for several years during some very difficult times in my childhood years. I have and will forever be grateful for his love. His presence will be missed in this world but never forgotten.
Suzie Caron
November 7, 2015
Uncle Bob was an amazing man!! Words can't begin to describe him!! He will be dearly missed.... Hugs, love and prayers to you all.
Your Bangalore house.
Short Heinrichs
November 6, 2015
Palmer family,
This is sad news. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Doris, and the entire Palmer family. Bob introduced me to travel in Mysore State on the UT project and has been a good friend since. It was also good to have you all visit us while we were in Porto Alegre and it was a special treat to visit you at your beautiful hill top home in Kodak while we were at VA Tech. So, thanks for the wonderful memories. May God bless you richly.
Short and Nancy
Terry Birdeau
November 6, 2015
To the Family of Bob Palmer I extend my deepest sympathies and love to you all. I remember Bob during our childhood when we would visit back to Wisconsin. I know he is in God's hands and will be in no pain.
God Bless You All,
Cousin Terry Birdeau
November 6, 2015
It was a privilege to know Bob & Doris. He was such a wonderful example of relying on his faith during his illness. We had a visit a fewhile days before his death. So very glad we had that opportunity. Doris, you & the family remain in our prayers.
Jason Hare
November 6, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kiersten and Kevin Thiel
November 6, 2015
They say that your relationship with your family defines your understanding of love. Bob always included everyone in his family circle and therefore inspired many. It has been an honor to know him over the last 20 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family during this difficult time.
James J. Surprenant
November 6, 2015
My sincere condolences to you Doris, and your family, paying for Bob's soul.
Dale Denton
November 6, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Larry & Margaret Clark
November 6, 2015
Bob was our friend for many years. We shared the marriage Encounter experience with him and Doris and visited each other as often as we could. He had plans to see us again in Virginia and we felt his presence. His faith has indeed been lived in his life!
Jenifer Hayes
November 6, 2015
Virginia I'm so very sorry for your family's loss. I will be thinking of you all.
Cary Tomlinson
November 6, 2015
Doris and family,
We were very sad to hear of Bob's passing. He was a true gentleman and professional in his work and leisure life. Bob and I shared many good times while working together at Pioneer. A great sense of humor, humility and sincerely dedicated to do what was best for our customers. We are so thankful that we visited both of you in June. Bob was as alert and focused as I have ever seen him. This is the way we'll always remember him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cary and Suzanne
Gary & Lisa Morris
November 6, 2015
Bob was such a special friend. We had the privilege of presenting on 15 Marriage Encounter Weekends with Bob & Doris between 1994 and 2008 in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. Bob was one of the most gentle, giving, committed Christian men we've ever known. His faith in God and his love for Doris touched our lives in so many ways. Rest in peace, Friend. CYH&L!!!
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Palmer's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Palmer
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Palmer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
