Elba Otis Palmer

Elba Otis Palmer II, 86, passed peacefully February 5, 2021 at home with family in Burleson, Texas. The family knows it was his time to get all the family in heaven up to date on all of our antics.  Even though we will miss him deeply, he was called to heaven according to God’s plan.

Elba was born February 8, 1934 in Boulder, Colorado to Elba Otis Palmer Sr. and Rowena Winnifred Miller Palmer.  “Bud” as everyone called him, lived a long and productive life of 26 years in the Navy, as a Seabees’ welder up through the ranks to Construction Superintendent.  He traveled to many Asian locations including Okinawa, Japan and various South Vietnam areas building bridges and schools to name a few.  He was always ready to share his adventures of serving his country and travels abroad.  His children remember foundly the stories of his youth, from wrestling, band, sports, and his summer jobs such as working in fish canning factories.  He really enjoyed telling tales of his two big sisters and their antics.  Family was always close and bonded through many challenges and celebrations over the years and generations.

When he retired from service he owned and operated his own metalworks shop.  With the name reminiscent of his dad’s seed house “Ideal.”  Later after moving back to Texas he worked for Lockheed welding cockpit components in their F14-18 series because he was small enough to maneuver in the cockpits to get the work done.  With many accommodations for company suggestions he won several awards while in the navy and working for Lockheed. 

His favorite pastimes included beating everyone at chess (even the computer), photographing his travels, and being a huge sports fan, especially if the Cowboys or Rangers were playing.  He even passed down his love of sports and music to his son and daughter.

He was preceded in death by both his parents, Elba Otis Palmer Sr. and Rowena Winnifred Miller Palmer, and his sister, Betty Lou Palmer Hunnicutt General.

Survivors include his wife, Wanza Jean Hardin Palmer, son Rick Eugene Palmer and wife Jaime, daughter, Deborah Kay Palmer Albright and husband David F, his sister, Marci Rea Palmer Montgomery, and one grandchild, Kaitlyn Rebecca Albright Johnson and husband Christopher.   Extended family includes eight nephews and nieces and ten great nephews and nieces. 

Instead of flowers that would have made him sneeze, please make donations to your local veterans support charities such as ...

- Disabled American Veterans

- Homes for Our Troops

- Wounded Warriors Family Support

- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elba Otis Palmer, please visit our floral store.