Jay Mark Palmer

Jay Mark Palmer, M.D.
October 9, 1956 - April 17, 2021
Fort Worth, Texas - Dr. Jay Mark Palmer, 64, died at his home in Fort Worth on April 17. Beloved by family, friends, and the thousands of patients he treated during his long career as an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, his passing marks the loss of a leading member of the Fort Worth medical community.
Mark was born to Don and Betty Palmer. Growing up in Ft. Worth, he was a proud graduate of R.L. Paschal High School, class of 1975. He attended Rice University in Houston, where he was the James M. and Sarah Wade Rockwall Scholar. He went on to receive his M.D. at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and completed his residency and fellowships at affiliated hospitals, including Texas Children's Hospital. Mark returned home to Ft. Worth in 1988 to begin his private practice as an otolaryngologist specializing in pediatric diseases. Over the course of his 32-year career, which was unfortunately cut short by illness, Mark treated thousands of adults and children and, later, their children in turn. Medicine was Mark's calling from an early age, and he considered alleviating the ailments of so many patients one of his life's greatest accomplishments. He also took great pride in the success of his children, now adults forging their own educational paths, careers, and families.
Mark was known for his brilliance, skill, creativity, love of music, dedication to serving the Fort Worth community, and sense of humor, which was quick and often used, if at times to the embarrassment of his children. He was a passionate home chef, always perfecting his recipes and sharing his delight in cooking with his loved ones. Mark supported several local charities and organizations aimed at advancing the Fort Worth community, including the Van Cliburn Foundation, Fort Worth Zoo, Jewel Charity, Fort Worth Opera, University Christian Church, R.L. Paschal High School, Fort Worth Country Day School, and Trinity Valley School, where he served on the Board of Trustees. He also regularly provided free medical care to those without means to otherwise afford care, without fanfare or recognition.
Mark is survived by his father, Don Palmer; his sister, Lauren Johndro and her husband, Adriel Johndro; his six children, Elizabeth Peterson, Andrew Palmer, Philip Palmer, Ashley Pope, Lauren Pope, and Grace Palmer; his five grandchildren, Cedar, Emerson, Meadow, and Felix Palmer, and Arthur Peterson; and many loved ones.
Services in honor of Mark will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, April 30, 2021 at University Christian Church in Ft. Worth. A streaming option will be available due to COVID-19.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, so that critically ill children can visit one of Mark's happiest places on Earth, Walt Disney World, a destination he wished he could visit when he was critically ill, or to the Fort Worth charity of your choice.