Mike Palmer

Mike, affectionally known as Mikey, was born in Wellsville, NY to John and Nancy (Casterline) Palmer on November 14th, 1949 and passed away from this life December 5, 2024 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Mike attended high school at Lake Shore High in Angola, NY. He was an avid hockey player through his youth and even spent some time in the semi pro league before beginning his career in the United States Air Force. He spent 24 years serving our country as a flight engineer on the C5-A Galaxy Transport. During that time, he was stationed in numerous domestic and international installations, along with being a part of the development of the Air National Guard C5-A military installation at Stewart Field in Newburgh, NY. He also flew on the KC-10 Inflight Refueler out of Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, LA. Later in his career while in the reserves, he was reactivated in 1991 to active duty and went to Seeb, Oman to serve in Operation Desert Storm. 

After his decorated service to our country, he retired and went on to provide 20 more years to assisting our veterans with the Louisiana Veterans Affairs Department. Mike was an active member of the VFW Post 2130 in Lake Charles, Louisiana where he was the Post Commander for 15 years; and played an integral part in the relocation and construction of the new VFW Post facility on Lake Street. When you met Mike, it was obvious he was instantly loved by all who met him, because he was kind, generous, funny, and so loving. He adored his wife, Patty, of 33 years along with his daughters, Shani and Kristin. He also very much enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals. 

Mike is survived by his loving wife Patty of 33 years, children Shani (Will) Robinson, Kristin (Jason) Sykes, grandchildren Keavy, Palmer, and Callen. He is also survived by his brother Scott (Sally) Palmer, sister-in-law Colleen Palmer, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins including Barbie, great aunt Mim, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father John Palmer, his mother Esther Palmer-Jones, his brother John Jr (Skip) Palmer, and his brother James (Nick) Palmer.

His memorial service will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Scott Benoit will officiate. Interment will take place in the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings, LA following the service. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the start of the service. A gathering of family & friends for Mike’s Celebration of Life will be at 4pm at the VFW Post 2130 located at 5676 Lake St., Lake Charles.

In memory of Mike, charitable contributions can be made to VFW Post 2130 or St. Jude’s’s Children’s Network.