Joe was born on July 18, 1953 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Joseph Foster Palmer Sr. and Ruby Naomi Palmer.
Joe grew up in Norman and went to school in Norman playing baseball and football at Norman High School where he graduated in 1972. After graduating high school, Joe quickly immersed himself in work, like the true business man he was.
Joe would marry his high school sweetheart, Gayla Sue (Hansmeyer) Palmer, in 1974. Together the couple had Candice, born in 1977, Carissa, born in 1978, and then Camille in 1986. The family traveled all over the United States with the girls playing softball. Then in 2000 the family welcomed a fourth child, Justin. Joe and Gayla continued their travels with Justin in tow.
Joe started his own business in 1996 with his Dad and his brothers, Worksite Benefit Plans.
Joe and Gayla eventually settled down in Norman to spend more time with their growing family. Joe always enjoyed hosting big parties in his backyard with his pool. He loved spending time with his grandkids. He enjoyed buying and selling OU tickets, going on cruises with Gayla, playing golf, and watching his kids and grandkids play sports.
Joe didn’t know a stranger, which helped him with his active involvement within the Chickasaw Nation Indian Tribe, as well as with his men’s group at New Life Bible Church.
Joe is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Gayla Palmer, and his father, Joseph Foster Palmer Sr.
Left to cherish Joe’s precious memory are his mother, Ruby Naomi Palmer, his brothers: Robert and Tom Palmer, his children: Candice and husband Justin Fritz, Carissa and husband Scott Clumpner, Camille and husband Doyle Cox, and Justin Palmer. His grandchildren: Brooklynn, Caroline, Joshua, Kai, Kamron, Kayson, and Krash. As well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
His visitation will be Thursday, July 9, 2020 from 12:00PM to 5:00PM at Primrose Funeral Service in Norman, his funeral service will be Friday, July 10, 2020 at 10:00AM at Primrose Funeral Service, with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Norman.
