Ronald Howard Palmer, aged 56, died peacefully in his home on July 27, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa. Ronnie, as he liked to be called, was born on August 22, 1967 to Darrel Jerome Palmer and Linda Melody Spokely.
Ronnie moved around a lot as a child, and, as a result, made many friends over his lifetime. Ronnie moved to Oceanside, California in 1976 with his family and step-father. Ronnie attended San Luis Rey Elementary, Jefferson Junior High School, and Oceanside High School. During Ronnie’s junior year of high school, the family moved to Yakima, Washington where Ronnie graduated from West Valley High School in 1986. Ronnie made some of his best childhood memories in Oceanside. He always referred to Oceanside as his home.
Ronnie joined the US Navy in 1989 and was a proud Navy Veteran. He served his enlistment time on the aircraft carrier, the USS Independence. Ronnie learned many trades outside of his Navy career.
Ronnie was funny, artistic and very intelligent; he loved to watch Jeopardy, almost every day. Ronnie had a strict rule when Jeopardy was on, “No talking”. Ronnie loved to help his friends and family, whenever he could. Ronnie enjoyed drawing and painting, especially during his illness. Ronnie loved all sports and remained a devoted San Diego Chargers fan. Ronnie spent all of his time with his beloved dog, Phoenix, and they were the best of friends.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his father, Darrel Palmer and his step-father, Benjamin Barnett.
Ronnie is survived by his beloved daughter, Avery Palmer of Tempe, AZ, mother, Linda Melody Spokely of Puyallup, WA, sisters, Carolyn (Craig) Dube of Oceanside, CA, Billie-Anne (Jim) Maggard of Selah, WA, brother, DJ (Paulina) Palmer of McKinney, TX, and two nieces and nephews.
Ronnie loved his family deeply, and before ending every phone call Ronnie ended it with “I LOVE YOU”; like a bold statement and reminder of how important we were to him. Ronnie will be deeply missed.
Private services will be held for the family at a later date.
The family would like to thank Ronnie’s Home Base Primary Care Team, Dr. Sharon Rowlet and Nurse Brandi Tomlinson, as well as the hospice team at Suncrest Hospice. We deeply appreciate the care and support that you provided to Ronnie.
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