A celebration of life will be held Feb. 13 at the Tulare Community Church for Colonel Michael William Palmer, who died January 9 following a 16-month battle with brain cancer. He was 64.
Cpl. Palmer had a successful career as an F-16 pilot for the United States Air Force, retiring in 2002 after 27 years. A year later, he bought a 258-acre ranch and for 12 years was owner/operator of Colonel Palmers Hay and Cattle. However, to him, his greatest success was starting the Junior ROTC program at Corcoran High School. He enjoyed his time and influence with his cadets.
The celebration of life will be held beginning at 2 p.m. at the church, located at 1820 N. Gem St. His burial will be held Feb. 15 at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd. in Dixon, at 9:30 a.m.
Survivors include his wife Robin of 44 years; a son, David Palmer and wife Madeleine and granddaughters Sydney and Emma and grandson Zachary; daughter DeAnna Seyffert and granddaughters Tori, Gracie, Lauren and Gena; daughter Deborah Cobb and husband Mark and grandsons Andrew, Jacob, Adam and David and granddaughters Sarah and Leah; and sisters Sharon Redd and husband Jim and Carol Jaquez and husband Stuart.
Remembrances in Col. Palmer’s name may be made to the local Veterans Outreach, 1001 Jepsen Ave., Corcoran, CA 93212.
