Denise Palmer

Denise Palmer, age 60, of Gatesville passed away Sunday, August 23, 2015. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Mound Cowboy Church roping pen on County Road 321. Denise was born on January 17, 1955 in Coryell County, Texas to Thurman Ray “Cotton” Palmer and Martha Bell “Sal” Evetts Palmer. She attended school at Flat School, graduating from Gatesville High School in 1973. She worked at Wall’s Manufacturing, as well as Texas Instruments. She then pursued a career as a correctional officer at T.D.C.J., retiring after 20 years. She achieved exemplary status and respect, not just by her fellow coworkers, but the inmates as well. She went back to work at T.D.C.J. in 2013. She loved her job and law enforcement; she was a big fan and supporter of the Texas Rangers law enforcement. Denise loved her family, her place, her cattle, real cowboys, a good laugh, and just ranch life in general. She was a brave and kind spirit who cared more about others than herself. She always showed incredible bravery and was calm even in her time of weakness: a true hero amongst heroes. In her last days, she wanted more people to be aware of Epstein Barr Virus and the risks associated with it. She was preceded in death by her father, Thurman Ray “Cotton” Palmer. Survivors include her mother, Martha Palmer; sister, Sally Smith and husband, Andy; brother, Steve Palmer and wife, Cheri; nephews, Tannon, Brandon, and Dylan Palmer; nieces, Cayla Williams and husband Zane and Shelby Smith; and great-nephew, Kanon Ray Palmer. Memorials may be made to any hospital specializing in children’s medicine.