Robert A. Palmer

Oberlin, Ohio - Robert Alfred Palmer passed away peacefully in September 2026, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of perseverance, service, achievement, family, and community.

Born in the winter of 1934, Robert's life crossed many worlds. As a young man, he worked in the coal mines and for the railroad, experiences that taught him the value of hard work and determination. He later entered the emerging world of computer technology, programming IBM mainframe computers using punched cards during the early days of commercial computing.

Robert was also an entrepreneur with a strong belief in opportunity and representation. He invested in and helped establish a pioneering Black-owned AM radio station in Lorain County, among a very small number of Black-owned AM stations in Ohio at the time.

Athletics were another important part of his life. Robert competed as a Golden Gloves boxer, played minor league baseball, and won championships playing pool while attending Kent State University. In later years, he gave his time and experience back to young people as a coach for teenage bowling, baseball, soccer, and boxing programs. He made a point of encouraging people from groups that were often underrepresented in sports and leadership, including women and minorities, and tried to make sure they were given a fair chance to develop their abilities. He also shared that same enthusiasm with his own family, including helping his son participate in the Soap Box Derby.

Robert's path into the legal profession was not an easy one. During an era when Black law graduates in Ohio were challenging discriminatory barriers in the bar-admission process, Robert faced repeated obstacles before ultimately earning his place in the profession. Those experiences strengthened an already deep commitment to fairness and equal opportunity.

While serving with the Akron Police Department and preparing for the Ohio bar examination, Robert was recruited by the president of Oberlin College to serve as the college's Chief of Security. He continued his legal studies and preparation for the bar while working at Oberlin College, adding another chapter of leadership and public service to an already varied career.

Robert later served as the Prosecutor for Oberlin and as an Assistant Prosecutor in Lorain County before continuing his work as an Attorney. After studying at Kent State University and Akron Law School, he built a career rooted in public service and fairness. His commitment to civil rights also extended into his professional work in affirmative action and CETA programs in Elyria, where he helped challenge employment practices that had historically limited access to better-paying careers for Black and other minority workers.

Throughout his life, Robert believed that opportunity should not be reserved for a select few. Whether through law, employment programs, broadcasting, coaching, education, or public service, he worked to open doors for others.

Memorial Obituary

For all his accomplishments, however, Robert's favorite activity was wonderfully simple: fishing. Sunny day or rainy day, Robert loved to fish. He found happiness near the water with a fishing pole in hand, patiently waiting to see what the day might bring. He also enjoyed bowling, crossword puzzles, and word searches, and carried his competitive spirit, curiosity, and love of a good challenge throughout his life.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Palmer; his sons, Mark Palmer and Robert Palmer II; his cousin, Nancy Joe Oliver; and a large and loving extended family of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Palmer, as well as Janet Mays and Joyce Fisher.

Robert Alfred Palmer lived a life that cannot easily be summarized by a single profession or accomplishment. He worked underground in the mines, on the railroad, and with some of the earliest generations of business computers. He boxed, played baseball, won at the pool table, coached young athletes, encouraged women and minorities whose talents were too often overlooked, helped build a pioneering Black-owned broadcasting venture, worked to expand employment opportunity, served in law enforcement and college security, served as Oberlin's prosecutor and as an Assistant Prosecutor for Lorain County, practiced law, raised a family, and served his community.

Through every chapter, certain qualities remained constant: determination, intelligence, resilience, service, and a willingness to stand up for opportunity and fairness. He fought the good fight, and as a fisherman, he knew how to hold the line. His legacy lives on in his family, the young people he coached, the people he served, the doors he helped open, and the many lives he touched. Robert Alfred Palmer lived many chapters, opened doors for others, and made each chapter count.