Douglas Palmer

Ronald Douglas Palmer, 79, of Valdez, New Mexico passed away on August 30, 2024 following complications from a stroke. He was born June 5, 1945 to James and Ann (Handley) Palmer in Oceanside, California.

Douglas, as he was known to everyone, was a 1970 graduate from West Texas University in Canyon, Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree. He also received a degree in social sciences with major emphasis in government, history, anthropology, education, and English. He was a graduate of the National Executive Institute of the Boy Scouts of America in North Brunswick, New Jersey and the United States Marine Corps N.C.O School. Douglas was proud of his work and career with the Boy Scouts, including serving as District Director of the Buffalo Trace Council in Midland, Texas, Associate Director of Programs at the Philmont Scout Ranch, and District Scout Executive in Lubbock, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition to his career and involvement with the community through the Boy Scouts, Douglas was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Taos where he served in the vestry, Past President of the Lions Club, and past member of Kiwanis in Cimarron. Notably, he founded the Enchanted Circle Trout Unlimited Chapter, brought the Casting for Recovery program to New Mexico to support survivors of breast cancer, authored Boy Scouts of America Search and Rescue Merit Badge book, served as type II New Mexico State Police Search and Rescue Commander, and received the Silver Sage award in 2016.

Douglas is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ann Palmer, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters.

Douglas is survived by his wife, Betty (Hogan) Palmer; son, Brian Jason Palmer, of Vermejo Park Ranch; granddaughter, Ashton Dawn Jones, of Nixa, Missouri; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Douglas’ memory may be made to: Philmont Staff Association.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com.