Bob Palmer

Robert Barton Palmer was born on November 20, 1933, in Rushville, Nebraska, to Barton McCarron and Mary Amende Palmer. He spent his early years on the Palmer place, 10 miles southeast of Rushville. He attended elementary school at the Roffers rural school. When he was in the sixth grade, the family moved into town, where he continued his education and graduated from Rushville High School in 1953.

In 1954, he was united in marriage to Karen Kay Carter of Gordon, Nebraska. To this union, five children were born: twin sons Martin Robert and Mark Wayne, daughters Karla Kay and Kami Kay, and son Marvin Allen.

Bob was employed at Sides & Milburn Ford Garage for 38 years. Over the years, he gave advice to countless friends and neighbors on how to repair their vehicles, lawn mowers, and golf carts. He had a gift for fixing almost anything. After retirement, he worked part-time at Sand Ridge Golf Course and Barrel House Liquor.

In 1967, some friends took Bob to the golf course just to see if he liked the game. It quickly became his first love (at least according to Karen). He loved the sport and became a very skilled golfer. As one of the driving forces behind the creation and development of Sand Ridge Golf Course, Bob devoted countless hours to helping make the course a reality for the community. For many years, he was affectionately known as “Swing Doc” because he was always willing to offer advice on improving someone’s golf game.

Bob also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, grandsons, and friends. He was an avid Husker fan and rarely missed cheering on Nebraska football. He lived life to the fullest and was always available to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

He was a retired volunteer firefighter, a former member of the Chadron Elks Lodge, and served on the Rushville Cemetery Board, and volunteered with the Cub Scouts. Bob joined Morse Memorial United Methodist Church in 2010 and faithfully served on many church committees.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Karen (Carter) Palmer of Rushville, Nebraska.

Marty & Karmen Palmer of Rushville; Katie & Ed Bissonette, Owen & Ava of Rapid City, South Dakota; Jeff & Brandee Palmer, Jaime & Jack of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Mark & Soni Palmer of Alliance; Jeremy & Cassie Palmer, Alyssa, Bradyn, Tayte & Evan of Alliance; Jerad & Amity Palmer and Leala of Bayard, NE; Jacob & Shelby Palmer and Hayes of Alliance.

Karla & Dale Ruleau of Rushville; Karac Ruleau & Kyle Hoedl of New York; Kalli Ruleau, Kyron and Kahlia Finley of Lincoln, Nebraska. Great-grandchildren Kendrick Vincent of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Kaden & Kyler Vincent of Rushville.

Marvin & Laura Palmer of Creston, Iowa; Laura’s daughters Taylor & Sydney; Matt Palmer of Phoenix, Arizona;

Son-in-law Terry Krajewski of Grant, Nebraska; Carter Krajewski of Lincoln, Nebraska.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Kami Kay (Palmer) Krajewski; granddaughters Kyla Kay (Ruleau) Vincent and Chelsey Dawn Palmer; half-brothers Lawrence, Eddie, David Miller, and Joel Hutchinson; and brother Bill Palmer.

Memorials have been established for Sand Ridge Golf Course and Morse Memorial United Methodist Church. Donations may be sent to Security First Bank, P.O. Box 550, Rushville, NE 69360.