Robert Lee Palmer

Robert "Lee" Palmer, 86, of Auburn, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, at Brookdale Assisted Living.

He was born December 2, 1939, in Topeka, Kansas, to Glen H. and Florence M. (Buchanan) Palmer, the middle of three sons. He attended school in a one room school house in rural Shawnee County. He later attended and graduated from Auburn High School.

Lee worked for and retired from Goodyear after a dedicated 41 year career.

Lee married Judith "Judy" Ann Stultz on December 24, 1960 in Carbondale. She survives. Other survivors include daughters, Lora (Jim) Newins and Brenda Palmer; 3 grandchildren, Rachel, Kelli and Ray; and 6 great grandchildren, Alex, Mayra, Alina, Mia, Theo, and Brooks. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry and Dean Palmer.

Lee loved to hunt, fish, woodwork and tinker in his garage. He was a member of the local 307 Rubber Workers Union, a lifetime member of the NRA, a former Auburn City council person, he often volunteered with Auburn Helping Hands and the Harvesters of Auburn and was a longstanding member of the Wakarusa Watershed Association. Lee also coached girls softball in Auburn. He enjoyed the 10 point pitch games on Wednesday nights and socializing with his wife and friends Thursday evenings at the 4 Corners. He enjoyed telling stories, and was known to be a jokester. He always loved spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed countryside drives and trips to Nebraska to hunt prairie dogs.

He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Services will begin with a Celebration of Life, 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66619. Final resting place will be in Carbondale at the Ridgeway Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Auburn Community Center, PO Box 205, Auburn, KS 66402.

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