Robert “Bob” DeWitt Palmer, 74, passed away at his home in Brevard, NC, on July 13, 2012. He was born on April 23, 1938 in Oak Park, IL to Horace (Rusty) and Herta (Tommy) Palmer. The family later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Bob earned his BA and Masters Degrees at the University of Cincinnati. He taught accounting and finance at the University of Cincinnati, the University of Wisconsin, Marquette University, and for 32 years at Troy State University where he served as the Accounting Department Head in the School of Business. Bob was also Chapter Advisor for Pi Kappa Phi fraternity for those 32 years.

Bob had a special rapport with his students. The door to his office, as well as the door to his home, was always open to them. He guided them not only in their academic life, but in their personal life as well. He received letters of appreciation for the positive influence he had on their lives right up to the time of his death. Today the grateful notes continue to come to his family.

When Bob wasn’t in the classroom, he was in his woodworking shop where he loved making special-order furniture such as entertainment centers, gun cases, cradles for his grandchildren, coffee tables, etc. People felt fortunate to have a piece of his work.

Bob was an avid collector of antique firearms with particular attention to cartridge derringers and oddities. He also had a special love for his collection of original U.S. flags dating back to the late 1700s. He was an active member of several firearm-collector organizations, as well as a life member of the NRA. Bob displayed and shared his knowledge with others at shows or meetings throughout the United States. He joined the American Society of Arms Collectors in 1987 and received his 25-year member award this past June.

Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughters, Sara (Tony) Grafals and Herta (Todd) Lohman; five grandchildren, Sydney and Christian Grafals, and Christopher, Jacob and Rachel Lohman; brother John (Miya) Palmer; and sister-in-law Rebecca (Tom) Stewart.

Services: A celebration of his life will be held at the Palmer home in Brevard, NC on September 29, 2012 at 1 pm.

Condolences: May be mailed to 492 Henry Mountain Rd. Brevard, NC 28712.