Roy Elmer Palmer

Roy Elmer Palmer, born on September 6, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, lived a remarkably full life until his peaceful passing on January 26, 2026, in Kansas City, Kansas, at the age of 89.

From his early days on Chicago's South Side, Roy grew up exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods and immersing himself in its many cultures. He was a shoeshine boy at Midway Airport where he met many celebrities of the era. His father worked as a chef at 'The Entrée' in downtown Chicago and his mother a homemaker.

Roy modeled for department stores and even appeared in Life magazine. But his future passion for the small-town life and the railroad was formed during the many summers he spent riding the Amtrak to Marceline to visit relatives.

These experiences gave him a closer look at the railroad way of life while continuing to exhibit a passion for military aviation. In 1957 while in the Air force Reserves, Roy received a commendation from the Brigadier General for his heroic action in helping to save the life of Major Hiltgen after his fighter jet crash-landed.

A memorable moment came when General Douglas MacArthur personally greeted him at Midway Airport, further fueling his love for flight. He pursued this dream by logging many solo hours in the skies above Chicago, cherishing the solitude.

A career opportunity with Flying Tiger Line shifted his path, and it was there he met the love of his life, Joanne, who worked for TWA.

They married in 1967 and soon moved to New York City where Roy thrived as an air freight manager with Mark IV air freight. His time in the Big Apple brought colorful stories of encounters with a vast array of people from around the world including many well-known people of the era. But when they received news of their first-born child, Roy & Joanne relocated with their jobs back to Chicago where they raised three more children.

In the early 1980s, Roy, Joanne, and the four children, relocated to Marceline, Missouri, embracing small town life where Roy worked as a locomotive engineer on the Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway for 29 years.

He quickly became involved in the Catholic community at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, devoting his time to providing great Italian meals for the church's many events. He was a charter member in the Marceline chapter of the Knights of Columbus where he achieved the rank of 4th Degree while also devoting himself to family.

Throughout his life, Roy was known for his extraordinary generosity. He donated faithfully to many causes and was cherished as a kind and giving man. One of his proudest moments was sponsoring a Cambodian family thru the Catholic Diocese of St. Louis, whom his family keeps in touch with to this day.

He once wrote, "Being a locomotive engineer was the most enjoyable job of my lifetime".

He spent countless hours volunteering for Operation Lifesaver, educating children about railroad safety. After retiring, Roy turned his passion for serving others to NARVE, an organization dedicating to protecting and preserving railroad benefits, serving as Director of Area 4.

Roy's story is one of bravery, adventure, and love for life. He will be remembered for his quick wit, legendary sense of humor, brilliant storytelling, love for cooking, jazz music, and history.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Palmer Sr. and Ruby (Whisenand) Palmer, his sister, Jeannette (Palmer) Saltonstall, and his son, Shawn Michael Palmer.

Roy is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Joanne Palmer, their children; Scott Douglas Palmer and his wife Yuki, Kevin Patrick Palmer, Stephanie Palmer Deel and her husband Craig, and their children, Lauren & Trevor Deel.