Roger Owen Palmer

Roger Owen Palmer, 83, of Shelbyville passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his home.

He was born on August 9, 1941, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Glen W. and Maud L. (Owen) Palmer. On Jun 5, 1965, he married his wife of 60 years, Sheila Roberts, and she survives.

In addition to Sheila, Roger is survived by his daughter, Shari Gabbard and husband, Scott, of Morristown; son, Rikk Palmer and wife, Stephanie, of Cordova, Tennessee; identical twin brother, Russell Palmer and wife, Janet, of Celina, Ohio; brother, Joe Palmer and wife, Carol, of Holt, Michigan; sister, Glenda Wright and husband, Bill, of California; grandchildren, Abigail, Austin and Amelia “Emmy”; and nieces and nephews, Kris, Elaine, Tony, Steve, Teresa, Amy, Andy, Brian, Eric and Julie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Philip Palmer; step-mother, Margaret Palmer; and sister, Millie Havens.

In 1959, Roger graduated from Center Grove High School. He obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Ball State University, and completed the driver education instructor coarse at Butler University.

Roger was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir, went on mission trips, and served as a deacon and elder.

He taught at New Salem School in Rushville, Blackford County School in Hartford City, and retired from Shelbyville High School in 2005, after 31 years of service. Roger taught chemistry, physics, math and science.

Roger enjoyed being a Boy Scout Leader for Troop No. 223, gardening, and going fishing with his twin brother and brother-in-law.

He was a talented guitarist and enjoyed giving guitar lessons. Roger also enjoyed playing guitar with the “Over the Hill gang” at various nursing homes and in the Shrine Orchestra.

Visitation will be from 10 am to Noon, Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church, 124 W. Broadway St., in Shelbyville. The funeral service will follow at Noon, with Rev. Gretchen Schneider officiating.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Choir or Boy Scout Troop No. 223, 1513 Counselor Row, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Roger’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.