Robert Lee Palmer

Robert Lee Palmer, Bob, born September 8, 1944 in Casper Wyoming, passed away on March 23, 2025.

Bob’s family dynamic was a bit unconventional. Upon Bob’s parents divorce, Bob and brother Murray Jr. remained with their father Murray Sr., as Bob’s two other brothers lived with their mother.

Murray Sr., met and later married Eva Cortes (Eva Nelson) who owned the TE ranch north of Hanna, Wyoming. Bob would come to call Eva mom, and she was the most gentle, kind woman he ever knew.

On a particular day a young Bob was helping with the hay baling on the ranch when the bailer broke down and the repairman had to be called. Much to Bob’s excitement the repairman flew his airplane to the ranch to assist with the repairs. Once repairs were complete the pilot asked Bob if he would like to go for a ride in a plane. This event would light the spark that would mold Bob’s future.

Bob began his education in Hanna and later attended school at the Ellis ranch school with John and Bill Ellis. Bob attended and graduated from Rawlins High School.

Following high school Bob attended aviation maintenance school in Oklahoma City. Bob also acquired his private and commercial pilots licenses. During Bob’s long career in aviation Bob flew the US Mail, numerous corporate jets, cargo carriers, both domestic and international and helicopters. Bob was awarded the Federal Aviation Administration “Fifty Years of Dedicated Service in Aviation Safety, Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award;” and the “Fifty Years of Dedicated Service in Aviation Safety Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.”

Bob served in the US Army Vietnam conflict as a crew chief on Huey helicopters and was Honorably Discharged.

Bob had a zest for life. After his first love, flying, of which he had 18,000 plus hour, Bob enjoyed boating, fishing, snowmobiling and gambling. Many stories have been told about each of these activities; all entertaining. When snowmobiling with Bob it was always said you could find him ahead on the trail with the machines hood up, tinkering, always tinkering. It has also been said that Bob never missed a casino, be it North, South, East or West he knew them all. He loved to gamble especially in his later years and it seemed against all odds he was always a winner.

Bob is survived by his many friends.

There will be a service of Military Honors at Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery, 80 Veterans Rd, Evansville, WY on Friday March 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM