Ransford B. "Randy" Palmer

Ransford B. “Randy” Palmer, Jr., of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on October 11, 2025. He was born in Decorah, Iowa, to the late Ransford B. Palmer, Sr. (Burdette) and Helen Eileen Palmer (née Burchfield). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly forty-six years, Susan R. Palmer (née Rockel), who passed in October 2020. Married in November 1974, Randy and Sue remained each other’s favorite person and greatest love to the last.

Randy spent most of his life in Delaware, where he grew up from his later childhood onward. He served in the National Guard and earned his law degree from Widener University. He went on to build a respected career as an attorney, known for his dedication and integrity.

Randy and Sue divided their time between Wilmington and Bethany Beach, where many happy times were had and memories made. He was an avid reader and a national parks enthusiast, especially captivated by the indescribable grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, to which he returned for a total of eight rafting trips and countless road trips—often with family and friends happily persuaded to come along. 

In later years, Randy found deep fulfillment in reconnecting with his roots and extended family in Iowa. Above all, he was devoted to his family and pets, loving them with a quiet steadfastness that left no doubt his affection was unconditional.

Randy is survived by his children, Ransford B. Palmer III (43) and Elizabeth H. Palmer (38), who will miss him tremendously and do their best to go forward with the same gentle goodness and integrity he embodied so remarkably. 

A memorial celebration honoring Randy and Sue will be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 from 2-5pm at the Delaware Center of Horticulture, 1810 N. DuPont St., Wilmington, DE 19806. Please drop in anytime. Remembrance speeches begin at 3pm and all are invited to share.

In lieu of gifts and flowers, please consider making a donation in their honor to:

-  The National Parks Foundation, 1500 K St. NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20005, or by visiting https://www.nationalparks.org/

-  The Parks Project, https://www.parksproject.us/pages/parks-project-our-contribution

-  The Colorectal Cancer Alliance, 1025 Vermont Ave NW, Suite 1066, Washington, D.C. 20005, https://colorectalcancer.org/get-involved/give/donate-now

-  Humane World for Animals, 1255 23rd St., NW, Suite 450, Washington, D.C. 20037, https://www.humaneworld.org/en

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