Richard "Dick" Palmer '57
March 30, 2021 4:41 PM
updated: April 9, 2021 11:16 AM
Richard Allen Palmer
January 08, 1936 - March 26, 2021
Richard (Dick) Palmer, a mechanical engineer and resident of Coshocton, OH, and Houston, TX, died on March 26, 2021, at 85, after battling cancer.
Dick is survived by his wife, Beverly Palmer; his brother, Donald Palmer; his two children, Karen Simpson and Randall Palmer; his six grandchildren, Eve, Sarah, Heather, Danny, Alexandra, and Suzie; and his six great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his parents, Anne and Frederick Palmer, and his sister, Patricia.
Dick was born in San Antonio, TX, on January 8, 1936, to Patricia Schumaker and Frederick Palmer. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1957 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked for multiple companies throughout his lifetime, putting his degree
to great use. He worked for Schlumberger in San Diego, CA, and McDonnell Douglas in Northern California before moving to Clear Lake, TX. In Clear Lake, TX, he worked for NASA from 1968 to 1974. Dick worked on the Apollo missions, starting with Apollo 7 and
continuing with the rest of the missions. After working at NASA, he moved to Saudi Arabia in 1977 to work in the oilfields.
On June 19, 1955, he married Beverly Milbrandt at the age of 20 after meeting her at church. On January 5, 1956, and January 14, 1960, he welcomed his two amazing children, who were the most important part of his life. Dick was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather and would do anything for his family.
He enjoyed watching college football and the Dallas Cowboys. He was also an avid traveler, traveling to 50+ countries, with Spain and Southeast Asia being at the top of his list. He was also an excellent problem-solver who often took on complex tasks at work
and home. Religion played a big part in Dick’s life; he was involved in many church activities. He will be deeply missed by friends, family, and all that knew him.
All Services will be held in Houston, TX. On April 17, 2021, the funeral will be held at 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church on Houston Ave.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society.