Robert Leldon Palmer

On December 1, 2025, Robert Leldon Palmer, “Doc” as his family and friends knew him, passed away. He was born on November 13, 1950 to Hubert and Elizabeth Palmer in Washington, D.C. As a military family, the Palmers were very well traveled. Some of their homes included Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, and Biloxi, Mississippi where he met Victoria, his wife of 56 years.

After serving in Vietnam while in the US Army, Victoria and Bob settled in Austin, Texas where he attended St. Edward’s University and University of Texas for undergraduate school. He then completed medical school and his residency program at UT Health Science Center at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio. Bob and his family moved to Fort Worth to finish out his time in the Airforce. There, he was Chief of Staff at Robert L.Thompson Regional Hospital. The family lived in just about every major city in Texas but established roots in Georgetown, where Bob opened up his medical practice. Once their three children left the nest, Bob and Victoria relocated to Lufkin and finally to the Houston area. Bob didn’t have plans for retirement because he loved to practice medicine.

His daughter, Stephanie, shared that Bob had a very fulfilling life. He was a hard worker, very generous, and provided a great life for his family. He enjoyed time with friends and family, listening to the music of his favorites including The Beatles, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Coldplay. Bob also played the drums and was in the band “The Others” during his youth.

He loved good food and was fantastic at whipping up gourmet meals especially during the holidays. His Thanksgiving feasts were so memorable, and he absolutely loved the holiday season. He also enjoyed watching a good movie. Bob cherished long, heartfelt conversations with his family. Many of these moments were spent with his son in law Shawn sharing memories and laughter while grilling on the back porch. Doc especially loved his 3 grandchildren who brought him much joy.

Bob was an avid golfer, traveling to many beautiful places and playing some of the best golf courses in the world including St. Andrews. Bob and Victoria had many memorable experiences and travels together, one being their trip to Ireland with their son Greg and his wife Katie. They recalled rolling green hills, pints of Guinness and a memory of a goat that followed them around on the golf course that may have been Memaw, Bob's mom coming to say hello.

Painting was also one of his greatest joys, and he often captured the places that touched his life, like the street in New York City, inspired by his son Robert who lived there for many years. That love of art didn’t end with him; he passed it on to Robert, who continues to paint with the same creativity and heart.

What has brought his family comfort during this difficult time is knowing how deeply spiritual he was and how much he loved Jesus Christ. He wholeheartedly believed that Jesus is our savior, and his family takes peace in knowing he is now in a good and loving place with God after his brave and long battle with leukemia.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Hubert and Elizabeth and his brother Bernie. He is survived by his loving wife Victoria, their children Stephanie (husband Shawn), Robert, and Greg (wife Katie), and three wonderful grandchildren Noah, Samantha, and Shae.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to:

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Blood Cancer United

The memorial service will be at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church located at 5308 Buffalo Speedway Houston, Texas 77005 on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2pm.