Christopher Drue Palmer

Christopher Drue Palmer
9/4/1980 ~ 10/12/2025
Christopher Drue Palmer, 45, of Reno, NV passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, surrounded by family. He courageously and gracefully battled aggressive brain cancer, defying doctor's expectations for 11 years, having only been given months to live.
Chris was born on September 4, 1980 in Los Angeles, California to Roger D. and Ivonne (Torres) Palmer. He graduated from McQueen High School in Reno, NV with the class of 1999.
In his younger years, Chris loved to ride his BMX bike and skateboard with his brothers and many friends. As a teenager, Chris was heavily involved in sports, being on the wrestling and football teams at Arapahoe High School. In 1996, Chris faced tragedy when he broke his neck in a trampoline accident. While he spent months recovering in world-renowned hospitals, he came out of the ordeal with a physical disability for the rest of his life. This life change led to a change in hobbies-without the ability to participate in physical activities, he turned his attention to art. Chris spent hours in his room drawing, sketching, painting and learning. He was truly dedicated to this craft.
In his 20's, undeterred by physical limitations and trials he'd faced, Chris founded Sinful Skin Tattoo & Piercing Parlor in Reno, NV. He quickly made a reputation for himself there, and his artistry showed no limits. He truly enjoyed tattooing and painting. Chris hired not only employees, but friends who turned into his extended family. Over the course of eight years with his team, they turned Sinful Skin into a successful business. This ultimately led to another business venture-purchasing and remodeling the business space next door, which became Sinful Salon. Chris ran these businesses until his cancer diagnosis in 2014. Chris was an incredibly giving person, and his generosity was one-of-a-kind. He was truly larger than life. He will be most remembered for his unending humor, quick wit and his accepting nature for those from all walks of life. Chris never knew a stranger.
Chris was married on October 31, 2013 to Kristine Toward and divorced in 2022. From that marriage came Chris's greatest accomplishments, and his pride and joy: his children, Olivia and Elijah. He loves them fiercely, and we know that he will forever watch over them.
Chris was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, Drue and Marjorie Palmer; and Thomas and Pilar Torres.
He is survived by his parents, Roger and Ivonne Palmer of Centennial, Colorado; his children, Olivia, and Elijah Palmer, of Reno, Nevada; his siblings, Jeremy (Krystal) Palmer of Parker, Colorado, Nik (Jess) Palmer and Eric (Melissa) Palmer of Reno, Nevada, Andrea Palmer of Centennial, Colorado, and Jennifer Palmer of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; his nieces and nephews, Aden Palmer, Clark Tuttle, Asher Palmer, Juliet Palmer, Corbin Palmer, Wyatt Palmer, Amelia Palmer, and Cameron Palmer; along with many, many other beloved family and friends.
Chris would not want those who loved him to mourn his untimely passing, but instead celebrate his life and share laughter over the many good memories. A Celebration of Chris' life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Mountain View Mortuary, 425 Stoker Ave, Reno, NV 89503, with a viewing to begin at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Reno.
The family would like to thank the LifeCare Center of Reno, and Circle of Life Hospice for their compassionate care and dedication to Chris' comfort during his final months.
While flowers are appreciated, we would encourage donations in Chris' name to a charity of your choice.