L. Kendall "Ken" Palmer Jr.

L. Kendall "Ken" Palmer, Jr., 80, passed away October 5, 2022 in Williamsburg, VA. Ken was born November 30, 1941 in Charleston, SC, to the late Louis Kendall and Garnett Palmer. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Karen Palmer; son, L. Kendall “Ken” Palmer, III (Nela); daughter, Stacy Palmer; grandson, Erik Palmer; sister, Linda Barnes (Randall); a sister-in-law; brother-in-law; 2 nieces; 3 nephews; and several cousins.

Ken received his Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia Tech in 1963. He began his career in Richmond at Wheat First Securities, where he became Managing Director of Over the Counter Trading. Although the name on the door changed over time, his passion for the work did not. Ken was also a member of the National Security Traders Association (NSTA, now STA) and served on their Board of Directors, becoming Chairman in 1984. He also served as Chairman of the Market Surveillance Committee of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) in 1993.

Ken retired in 1994 and moved to Mathews, VA in 1999 where he enjoyed becoming part of the community, including his Thursday and Saturday morning breakfasts with the guys, and the opportunity to spend more time hunting, fishing, and crabbing. While he had to give up golf too early, he was especially proud of winning the Brandermill Member-Guest Golf Championship with John OBrion in 1976. He was a long-time member of the Ino Hunt Club, German Club of Virginia Tech, and Mathews Ruritan Club.

Memorial contributions in Ken’s memory may be made to James City County Fire Department Station 3, 5077 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (www.jamescitycountyva.gov) or the German Club of Virginia Tech, 711 Southgate Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24060 (www.vtgc.net).