Delbert “Bert” Palmer, 67, was born the son of Richard and Delores “Dee” (Hunter) Palmer on January 1, 1953 in Salina, KS. Bert soared to the heavens on Monday, August 3, in his home while holding hands with his beloved wife Deb whom he affectionately called “Bing” after battling and struggling several months with Crohn’s Disease. Delbert worked for Wilson & Company Engineers and Architects for 39 years as a Master Draftsman Auto Cad Operator, a profession that he took great pride in and that he truly loved and enjoyed being told on multiple occasions that he was a credit to the profession, retiring in 2010. He was a relief driver for the railroad through the Union Pacific and BNSF Railroad.
Delbert was a family man first and foremost, he was a witty, ornery, fun loving kindhearted man who genuinely loved music of all genres. He played in multiple bands over the years, one was bluegrass and the other rock & roll, which showed his versatility playing his banjo, guitars, bass and mandolin which speaks volumes as he could not read music but could play any piece of music he heard flawlessly. Delbert was active with the local Harley Group and served as Road Captain for many years. He rode thousands of miles raising funds and awareness for many charitable organizations all while riding his cherished Anniversary Dyna Wide Glide. Bert was easily recognized by as his long grey hair & beard that flowed in the breeze; he loved his “wind therapy” you could hear him blocks away from the rumbling sound of his pipes. He was called by many “Merlin” or “The Grey Ghost.” Delbert met his soulmate and love of his wife Debra “Deb” (Wilson) in 1977 and from that time you rarely saw one without the other. They married on August 19, 1983, laughing, living and loving for almost 44 years.

Delbert is survived by his wife, Deb; his son, Tyler Palmer, Lawrence, KS; his daughter Sarra Reeves (Thad Corbin), Salina, KS; granddaughters; Brooke Keller (Grayson Frabizius), Emaley Reeves, and Kylie Ladwig; and grandson Kamron Reeves, Salina, KS; sister, Shirley Palmer (Larrel Krehbiel), Salina, KS; sister in-law, Sherry Enderby, Salina, KS; Hospice Nurse and caregiver, Jamie Snow and many aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Delores and two sisters, Linda Palmer Graves and Charlotte Palmer Hardesty.

It is Delbert’s request that a Celebration of Life be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina. Masks and social distancing will be observed. He requested that all who attend dress as if you were coming to hang out with a friend and his hope was that all he enjoyed so many memories of riding with would ride to the celebration and afterwards follow his wife to his final resting place so they will know where to come chat, visit or share a libation. Delbert’s request was to be cremated as he wanted to be remembered as he was prior to his illness. Also, he chose not to be interred until the passing of his wife because he said that they came into this relationship together and that is how he wanted us to remember them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice or Ryan Mortuary and may be sent in care of the mortuary.