Robert Benjamin Palmer Jr.

Robert “Bob” Palmer Jr., age 89, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, surrounded by the family who loved him so deeply. Born on May 19, 1936, in Kansas City, Kansas to Robert Palmer Sr and Lyda Ragland. Bob lived a long, full life defined by devotion—to his family, to hard work, and to the values he carried with him every day.

Bob graduated in 1955 in Grandview, Missouri. He soon married the love of his life, Wanda Harris, in the same year. When he married Wanda, he also welcomed her three daughters—Tammy, Lori, and Melissa— and one son, Joey - into his heart with open arms. He raised them as his own, spoiling them endlessly and loving them with a devotion that far exceeded any title. They laughingly remembered him as a “terrible disciplinarian,” because he couldn’t help but dote on them. He did everything for them growing up, and in the end, they did everything for him — a full-circle love that defined their family.

Bob and Wanda built a beautiful life together until her passing in 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ed Palmer, and his sons Robby Palmer and Joey Meyers.

Throughout his life, Bob worked across many states and industries—a true example of grit and dedication. His early years included work in L.A., California from 1956–1958, time with the Santa Fe Railroad, and employment with Bendix Aviation. From 1959–1965, he worked construction across Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado. He later moved to Texas in 1966 then New Orleans in 1976 and eventually settled on the gulf coast in Mississippi in 1977. He spent over 25 loyal years at Memorial hospital in the engineering department until his retirement in 2016 at the young age of 80. He always said, “I want to the oldest person to retire from the hospital.” His work ethic was unmatched; he was the kind of man who didn’t just complete a job—he perfected it.

A proud Freemason, Bob lived with quiet honor, integrity, and consistency. He was the family’s peacemaker; the steady voice of reason who never let the small things bother him. He was the calm center of every storm, the one who didn’t raise his voice, didn’t judge, and only ever wanted one thing — for everyone to be happy.

Bob lived by a strong moral compass rooted in traditional values. He believed in hard work, humility, and always showing appreciation. Gratitude came first with him. He was a “yes ma’am, no sir” kind of man — respectful, courteous, and steady in the way he carried himself. His values weren’t something he talked about; they were something he lived every day, quietly teaching everyone around him what it meant to be decent, gracious, and good.

Bob was gifted with extraordinary hands and an extraordinary mind. Truly the modern-day MacGyver, there was nothing he couldn’t fix, build, create, or figure out. He could build an entire house by himself as if it were nothing, and he did it with an ease that amazed everyone. If it was broken, he fixed it. If it didn’t exist, he built it. If you needed help, he was already putting on his shoes.

And no matter what the question was — from what kind of grass seed to put down to any sports trivia to detailed war or history facts — Bob had the answer. There was simply nothing he didn’t know. His family always said you could call him about anything, and he would stop everything to help. He was the man who solved problems, eased stress, and always knew just what to do.

He had a dry, unforgettable sense of humor and often joked about his age, saying, “I don’t know how I’m living this long — it’s not because I tried to.” He was always joking. Even in moments that were serious, he would find a way to lighten the mood with a perfect one-liner.

Bob cherished his family above everything. He was “Pawpaw Palmer” to 13 grandchildren, Robert “Chris” Meyers, Derek and Nicholas Palmer, Tiffany Harris, Kalyn Hicks, Brandon, Joshua and Kirstie Currie, Whitney Knowblocke, Nicholas, Melissa, Noah, and Jacob Meyers. He has over 29 great grandchildren with number 30 on the way.

But his two grandsons, Derek Palmer and Robert “Chris” Meyers, held a uniquely special place in his heart. Bob chose to be a father figure in their lives when he didn’t have to be — a choice rooted in love, loyalty, and pure goodness. The bond they shared was something rare and beautiful; they were wrapped around his finger, and he was just as wrapped around theirs.

Bob was the most selfless man you could ever imagine. He always put others first. If you called him, he answered. If you needed him, he came. He never wanted to be a burden. Even on the day he passed, he told his family he was ready — ready to see the Lord, ready to lift the weight of worry from their shoulders. That was exactly who he was: a man who thought of everyone else until his very last breath.

In Bob’s final moments, there was no denying the presence of Jesus. The way everything unfolded felt like divine intervention — perfectly timed, guided, and filled with love and grace. His passing couldn’t have been more gentle or more perfect, and his family will forever hold close the peace and comfort of that moment.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, craftsmanship, humor, wisdom, and quiet strength. His family finds comfort in knowing he is reunited with Wanda, the love of his life, and the loved ones who went before him.

He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

You may share memories and condolences with the family at www.riemannfamily.com

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is honored to serve the family during this time.