Col. Cecil Eugene “Zeb” Palmer, Army of the United States (Ret.)

Col. Cecil Eugene “Zeb” Palmer, Army of the United States (Ret.), went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, May 13, 2017 in Hendersonville, NC. Zeb was known for his dutiful commitment to and love for his God, his family and his country. He had a voracious appetite for learning, a strong sense of curiosity and wonderful, impish sense of humor. Born in Oneonta, NY, on July 5, 1931, Zeb grew up on a dairy farm in Meridale, NY.  While attending college on ROTC and NY State Regent’s scholarships, Zeb went on a hitchhiking trip to Florida where he met the love of his life, Beverly M. Roberts, when her father stopped to pick up the young soldier. Zeb and Beverly courted long distance, ultimately wed and raised three children: Patricia C. Palmer and her husband David M. Daly of Lexington, SC, Cheria P. McNabb and her husband James H. McNabb of Charlotte, NC, and Paul L. Palmer of Hendersonville, NC. Zeb is survived by his wife, their children, and their grandchildren: Benjamin F. Palmer and his mother Donna F. Palmer, Ryan P. McNabb, Kathryn P. McNabb, Larisa A. P. Daly and her fiancée Sgt. Bradley L. Benson (Army National Guard), Capt. Brendan K. P. Daly (USAF), Stacy C. Cerone, Andrew David Daly, as well as his brothers Ronald L. Palmer of Meridale, NY, and Mahlon R. Palmer of Clinton, NY. Zeb was preceded in death by his parents, Merle W. Palmer and Jewell J. Palmer as well as his brother Roy W. Palmer. Among his many varied interests, Zeb loved classical organ music, trains, collecting rocks and minerals (his family is trying to figure out how to forward his collection to him in Heaven), gardening, learning new things, and having his family around so he could tell his funny stories to them (which he would do often and repeatedly just so he could listen to them again himself). A service celebrating his life will be held in the Brunson Chapel at First United Methodist in Hendersonville, NC, at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 21, 2017, with a reception to follow in the Gettman Room at FUMC. In accordance with Zeb’s wishes, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made in his memory to the Music Fund at First United Methodist in Hendersonville and/or BSA Troop 603, Terrora District, Daniel Boone Council, sponsored by the United Methodist Men at FUMC. To offer condolences online please visit shulerfuneralhome.com.