Norman Keith Palmer

Norman Keith Palmer (75) passed away at St. Anthony's Hospital in Gig Harbor, WA. on December 18, 2024. Born April 1, 1949 in Casper, WY. His Parents were Leroy Busby Palmer Sr., Mildred Carlisle, and Johnny Palmer (Step-Mother).

From 1952, Norm and his oldest brother moved in with their Father and his new wife, Johnny Palmer in Rawlins, WY. Norm attended school in Rawlins through junior high school. He then enrolled in the United States Job Corp, working in state and national parks all over Wyoming.

After high school Norm's older brother, Leroy Palmer Jr. came home on leave from the US Army. Roy drove Norm down to the recruiter's office in Rawlins. Soon after Norm found himself at boot camp in Texas. Norm was then stationed in Vietnam, and then Germany . Norm always said he enjoyed his time in Germany very much. Norm finished his service time and was discharged from Fort Lewis,Tacoma, WA.

After the Army Norm moved around some. Washington state, Oregon, Idaho and eventually found himself back in Rawlins, and in trouble. He served time in the Wyoming state penitentiaries (Yes both Frontier and the new one). Those years were hard life lessons. He struggled fitting back into civilian life after his Vietnam tours. Norm's next life experience was due to his old Army buddy. Norm visited his friend in South Dakota, and they talked about jobs. His friend asked if he could drive a truck, and a new life was born. Norm drove semi's all over the United States of America for 36 years.

In 1975 Norm met and married Stephanie on May 1, 1975 and they had a son together. Steven A Palmer, born August 3, 1977 in Minnesota. After divorcing in late 1977 Norm and Steph had lost contact. She passed away in Bremerton, Washington on August 23, 2005. Norm never remarried. Norm and Steven got in touch and shared a friendship for the last 10 years.

Due to health issues Norm had to retire from long haul trucking. Norm moved back to Washington and lived with family members for years. In 2012 he moved into his own home for 2 years, and then lived at Willows adult care center for 7 years. Norm's health had gotten to the point that he needed full time care. He moved in with his brother and sister, who took responsibility for his care. Eventually, Norm was accepted by the Washington State Veterans Home, in Port Orchard, Washington. He blossomed there and made many friends with residents and staff throughout his last 2 years of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ex-wife, brother, sister, nephew and great nephew.

Leaving behind one son, Steven A Palmer of Mankato, MN, brother Roger Palmer of Bremerton, WA, sister Taddy (Randy) Wilson of Henderson, NV, sister Gay (Bob) Gates of Bremerton, WA, sister Keri (Len) Lines of Port Orchard, WA, and sister Shawnee Palmer of Bremerton, Wa.

Norm's family held a small dinner to celebrate Norm's time here on earth. No public service will be held, per Norm's request. Norm asked that his ashes be kept with his parents' ashes.