On July 12, 1941, a baby boy was born to Matthew and Bettie Palmer in Clarksville, OK.
They named him Gene Marvin Palmer. He was the sixth of 12 children. He attended Clarksville Elementary (Clarksville, OK) and Carter G. Woodson High School (Tullahassee, OK).

Gene was given a nickname of "Bomp" by his brother J.C. We don't know where "J" got that name but all of the immediate family started using it and Gene didn't object to it at all.

From the union of his first marriage, he has a very caring and loving son, Kenneth M. Palmer.

His hobbies were fishing, hunting and cooking on the grill. He was well known for his barbeque! He had a passion for cooking and so did his wife, Berthena Hardridge, who he married on February 18, 1982. They both worked for Brockway and Gene and Berthena were the caterers for the company Labor Day picnics. Gene retired from Brockway after 25 years of service (1970-1995).

Gene accepted Jesus Christ in his life and assisted his mother in the ministry for many years at Victory Christian Fellowship. He loved to study God's word and had a way of illustrating the scriptures by drawing pictures. He loved stopping by his mother's house and having a cup of coffee and discussing the Bible. Years later, Gene joined New Zion Baptist Church.

During last week, Gene began to renew and strengthen his faith in Christ. He knew he was getting ready to make an astounding transition. He would not dare allow his spirit to leave until he saw his loving wife Berthena. On May 21, 2016, early in the morning on a sunshiny day, with his family at his bed-side, Gene departed peacefully.

We will truly miss his quiet spirit and of course his barbeque.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers: Thomas & Vernon, 2 sisters: Augusta & Marie and a granddaughter, Destiny C. Carter.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife Berthena Palmer of 34 years -Muskogee,OK; two sons: Kenneth Marvin Palmer -Austin, TX; Spencer Gordon-Muskogee , OK; 4 daughters, Evette Anderson & Nyteshia Palmer-both of Muskogee; Gwen Palmer (Rodney)-Tulsa, OK; Crystal Carter (Danjuan)-Broken Arrow, OK.

15 Grandchildren: Diane Palmer, Michelle Palmer, Alan Palmer -Cedar Park, TX; Nakia,Paul, Latoya, Cree, Brooke, Bubba,-Muskogee, OK; Jayln Patterson, Domonique Finch, Jabril Finch -Tulsa, OK; Delavontae Carter, Destin Carter, Dakari Carter-Broken Arrow, OK.

He has 6 great grandchildren.

Three brothers: J.C. Palmer (Verna) Muskogee; George Palmer (Charlene) OKC; Roman Palmer (Charlotte) K.C.,MO; 4 sisters, Nettie M. Carroll, Portland, OR; Joyce Dotson (Dennis) , Mac Marvis Lawrence both of KC, KS.; Princess Jones (Millard) Tulsa, OK; along with a host of other family and friends.

A Home Going Service is scheduled for Saturday, May 28, 2016, 11:00 a.m., Rayfield Baptist Church, 601 Indianapolis Street, Muskogee, OK; with Bishop George Palmer, eulogizing. Interment will follow in Booker T. Washington Cemetery, Muskogee, OK

Visitation will be Friday, 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home & Cremations.