Robert Thomas Palmer, 89, of Winchester, VA, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026, at Winchester Medical Center.

Robert was born in 1937 in Orange County, VA, son of the late Thomas Henry Palmer and Mary Rebecca Lewis Palmer. He graduated from Orange County High School in Orange, VA, Class of 1955. During his youth Robert was a member of Unionville Christian Church in Unionville, VA. He worked for Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company from June 1955 until entering the United States Air Force. He served our country for four years active duty and two years in the military reserves and was honorably discharged in 1963. After serving in the military, he resumed his career with the phone company until 1962.

Robert began a new career with the United States Government, retiring from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 1994 after 30 years of service. Robert and his wife, Charlene, moved to Winchester in 1963. After the move to Winchester, Robert became a member of First Baptist Church of Winchester. He was appointed a Church Trustee in 1995 and was a proud member of the E.T. Clark Men’s Bible Class for over 60 years. Robert enjoyed his church community and served on every board and committee possible at First Baptist Church.

Robert was appointed to the Winchester City School Board in July 1997, and served six years, the maximum time allowed at that time. He enjoyed golfing, spending time with his grandchildren, and fixing things around the house.

Robert married Ruth Charlene Rosson on August 17, 1963, at Berea Baptist Church, Trevilians, VA. They had two children.

Robert is survived by his wife, Charlene, and their son, Gregory Scott Palmer and wife, Tracy Leigh Webb Palmer of Austin, TX; their children, Bryan Alexander Palmer of New York City, Matthew Colin Palmer of New York City, Grace Christina Palmer of Austin, TX, and the late Lauren Elizabeth Palmer. Robert is also survived by their daughter, Cynthia Lynn Palmer Macturk and husband, Christopher Hunt Macturk of Richmond, VA; their children, Spencer Harrison Macturk of Los Angeles, CA, Alexander Hunt Macturk of Richmond, VA, and Eli Graham Macturk of Richmond, VA.

Robert is also survived by his brother, James Edward Palmer of Orange, VA and his sisters, Mary Louise Palmer Baker of Orange, VA and Doris Ann Palmer Kidwell of Richmond, VA.

A visitation will be from 9:30 am to 10:30 am on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 205 W. Piccadilly Street, Winchester, VA. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 10:30 am with Rev. Dr. Kristin Adkins Whitesides and Rev. George Fletcher officiating. A time of food and fellowship will follow the service at the church. Interment will be in Mount Hebron Cemetery following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to First Baptist Church, 205 W. Piccadilly Street, Winchester, VA 22601.