Russell Palmer

Dr. Russell "Gay" Palmer, age 79, passed away Monday, June 6, 2016, at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his family. Gay was born on May 19, 1937 in Hannibal Mo., to E. Russell and Frances (Hoskins) Palmer. He was married on October 29, 1988, in Jefferson City, Mo., to Peggy (Ortega) Palmer, who survives at the home. Gay graduated in 1955 from Hannibal High School, attending the University of Missouri-Columbia, becoming a lifelong Tiger fan. After Mizzou, he attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was Student Body President, earning his O.D. in 1960. He served in the United States Army as an M.P. and in the Reserves for many years. For almost 50 years, Gay was an optometrist in private practice, serving as MOA President and member of the AOA. He donated many hours to the Cole County Dental, Shoe and Eye program. Throughout his professional life, Gay was recognized numerous times, most notably when he was elected "Optometrist of the Year" for the state of Missouri. His service extended to the community at large through his involvement with the Jefferson City Parks and Rec Department; as one of the founding members of the Cosmopolitan Club; and member for many years of the Jefferson City Country Club where he served as President. Gay's life was filled with laughter and celebration. An avid golfer, he played regularly until Alzheimer's robbed him of his ability to enjoy golf and the outdoors. For many years, Gay was a duck and pheasant hunter and was a standing member of Ducks Unlimited. As age mellowed him, Gay enjoyed wildlife and looked forward to feeding the geese and ducks at Binder Lake and filling his bird feeders for the deer surrounding his home. His loving family includes: his wife of 27 years, Peggy Palmer; daughter, Gaiya (Tom) Henley; step-son, David (Jennifer) Gorton and step-daughter, Beth (Chris) Collier; grandchildren, Russell (Heather) Henley, Marcus (Emily) Henley, Erika (fiancé, Zach Kirchner) Henley, and Emily Henley; four step-grandchildren, Meg Gorton, Emma Gorton, Madeleine Collier, and Charlotte Collier; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two uncles, Eugene Hoskins and William Hoskins. A visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 9, 2016. A Celebration of Gay's Life will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 10, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Daniel Hilty officiating. Private graveside services and interment with military honors will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City, Mo. If you are unable to join us, please enjoy a cold Bud Light, tell a corny joke, and play a round of golf in his honor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association of Mid-Missouri, 2400 Bluff Creek Drive, Columbia, MO 65201; Hospice Compassus, 600 Monroe Street, Suite 100, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or First United Methodist Church, 201 Monroe Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com