Thomas Kenneth Palmer

Thomas Kenneth Palmer, born to Kenneth and Virginia Palmer on May 19, 1947, in Minneapolis, MN, passed peacefully the morning of August 30, 2025, in Tulsa Oklahoma, as his wife and daughters were praying the rosary by his side. There will be a Funeral Memorial Mass on September 13 at 1:00 p.m., Saint Bernard's of Clairvaux Catholic Church, 4001 E. 101st Street in Tulsa. Tom is survived by Jennifer (Morgan) Palmer, his loving wife of 33 years; sisters, Joan Hayes and Pamela Palmer, both of Green Acres, FL; brother Pat Palmer (Kathy) of Cleveland, OH; children, Michael Palmer, Amy Mariska (Chad) of Tulsa, Dr. Carolyn Reabe (Nathan) of Kohler, WI, John Palmer (Miranda) of Oconomowoc, WI; their mother, Jeanne (Goodman) Major of Waukesha, WI; sister-in-law, Caren McCurdy (Jay) of Colorado Springs, CO; brothers-in-law Charles Morgan (Karen) of Tahlequah, OK, Bill Morgan (Heather) of Wagoner, OK and Trent Stogsdill (Ann) of Tahlequah, OK. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth J. and Virginia G. Palmer, father and mother-in-law, Dr. Charles Thomas and Bonnie C. Morgan and sister-in-law, Melissa J. Stogsdill of Tahlequah, OK. While Tom was exceptionally devoted to Jennifer and his children, he especially cherished his grandchildren, who blessed him with much love and many visits throughout his illness: Christopher Stall (Kami); Katie Grey (Abner); Anna May, Avery and Louie Baxter; Kaden, Colin and Jack Reabe; Carson and Caden Mariska; Stella, Sage, Charlie Rose Palmer and great-grandchildren, Kinsley Grey and baby boy Stall who is due at the beginning of 2026. He was also blessed with many nieces, nephews and cousins from both sides of the family. Tom was a fiercely committed man to the things he loved, including his career, golf, board work and friends. He took on the tough projects from which others shied away. He was a driving force in the fire suppression industry, about which he often said "That's what I've done all my life". His career was capped when he received the cherished Thunderbird Medal, presented to him by the Major General of the Oklahoma National Guard, who summed it up quite well: "Mr. Tom Palmer has dedicated his life to public safety, serving as an Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Commissioner and APS FireCo founder. Mr. Palmer's unwavering dedication and professional expertise significantly enhanced life and fire safety across Oklahoma. His commitment to public safety ensured the welfare and survivability of countless citizens while also enhancing the safety of first responders engaged in the protection of lives and property throughout the state. He is a Thunderbird for life." Tom's deep sense of integrity and ethics shaped everything he did. He led by example, quietly inspiring those around him to do the right thing. A humble mentor to many in his industry, he guided others without seeking recognition, crediting their success to their own hard work. In the end, Tom became even more loyal, gentle, spiritual and committed to contacting and expressing his love to those he cared about, often waking up in the middle of the night to add one more to the list. When he was very near the end of his life and struggling to speak, he said "Faith, family and contribution, those three." We will miss him so much. He wanted to be sure to thank his special friends at Southern Hills Country Club and the many friends who have been checking in on him and Jen. Donations may be made to the Tulsa Firefighter's Benevolent Fund or M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston

Thomas Kenneth Palmer

May 19, 1947 - August 30, 2025