Chief Master Sergeant Robert Toaali'i Siligo Palmer Jr., USAF (Ret.)
November 29, 1940 – July 4, 2025

After 64 years of devoted marriage and 40 years of distinguished military service, United States Air Force Retired Chief Master Sergeant Robert Toaali'i Siligo Palmer Jr., age 84, of Hughesville, Maryland, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 4, 2025. A warrior in spirit, a servant in heart, and a man of honor, Robert's passing on Independence Day could not have been more fitting, given his lifelong devotion to God, family, and country.

Born in the village of Fagatogo, American Samoa, on November 29, 1940, Robert was the fourth son of the late Fiamaua Falemalama Siligo Siavi'i, originally from the village of Vaitogi. He was one of nine siblings and grew up with a strong sense of discipline, faith, and Fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way).

At just 19 years old, Robert left his island home to pursue his childhood dream of serving in the U.S. military. In 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and completed basic training in Texas. His first duty station brought him to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, where he met the love of his life, Diana Lee "Donna" (Sweeney) Palmer. Despite the racial barriers of the era that prohibited interracial marriage in Maryland, Robert and Donna persevered, marrying on June 1, 1961, at the chapel on Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. Their union was built on faith, courage, and unshakeable love.

Together, they raised four children in Forestville, Maryland, just down the street from Donna's parents, the late Henry and Virginia "Boots" (Tyler) Sweeney:
Theresa Lee MacPherson (Paul) of Scarborough, Maine;
Pamela Palmer Garrison (Dan) of Mechanicsville, MD;
Wendy Palmer Button (David) of Hughesville, MD;
and their only son, Paki – Robert Henry Palmer of Brandywine, MD.

He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Seth Lopaki MacPherson (Katie), Zeke Tavita MacPherson, Naomi MacPherson, Dolly Garrison Brewer (Caleb), and Daisy Garrison Hwang (Dohe); and great-grandfather to three: Nora Joy Leilagi MacPherson, Paki Neil MacPherson, and Cally Lee Brewer.

One of nine siblings, Robert was preceded in death by Fatuvalu "Frank" Faalevao Fano, Falemalama "Jerry" Siligo, Royal Crawford, Vaefaga Quin, and Siausage "Loretta" Taylor. He is survived by three siblings: Siavi'i "Poe" Siavi'i, Sa'ousoali'i Siavi'i, and Luava'asiatia Siavi'i.

Robert's military career was exceptional. After transferring into the DC Air National Guard in 1964 for the stability of his growing family, he continued his active-duty service as a senior master aircraft loadmaster. His service took him around the world—including support missions in Vietnam and the Philippines—and accumulated over 18,000 hours of flight time. He proudly marched in the Presidential inaugural parades of Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton.

A trailblazer, Robert was the first Samoan to achieve the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) in both the DCANG and the United States Air Force—a feat he never took lightly. He supervised the National Guard Counterdrug Lite-All Mission in collaboration with DC law enforcement and community coalitions, working to reduce drug activity in some of Washington, D.C.'s most vulnerable neighborhoods. For 27 years, he led the DCANG Youth Leadership Program, introducing young people from underserved communities in D.C. to the values of discipline and service.

Chief Palmer was a coach, a mentor, and a servant leader. Over four decades, he coached youth and adult teams in softball, tennis, and golf—including coaching his granddaughters' high school team in his later years. In his barracks days on the base, he was affectionately known as "Jake," the guy who could trim hair, shine shoes and buckles before inspections—for the right price. His kids would say, "If he didn't know how to do something, he had a friend who did." His work ethic was unmatched, often juggling multiple jobs to provide for his family.

He taught his children how to swim—by tossing them off the end of Aunt Berta's pier—and drilled them in sports and life with a unique mix of Samoan toughness and military discipline. His parenting methods were unorthodox at times—arms outstretched, palms up, facing a wall—but always rooted in love. Donna often had to play the moderating voice, exclaiming, "Bob! What in the world! Enough is enough!" And yet, their home was filled with warmth, faith, and the knowledge that family always came first—right after their faith in God.

Faith was the foundation of Robert's life. The Palmers were dedicated members of Melwood Church of the Nazarene in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. If the church doors were open, they were there—Sunday School, morning service, evening service, and Wednesday night prayer meeting. Sunday afternoons were meant for rest—Nazarene naps. While other kids got to play, the Palmer kids were napping all together with Dad. The family was known for setting up, cleaning, and serving at church dinners—starting from when their youngest was just a boy—and always delivering "to-go" plates to the pastor's family and to the church janitors. They served with glad and willing hearts.

Every summer, the family traveled to Northeast Nazarene Family Camp, where Robert maintained the softball field, provided equipment, and served as umpire and coach. He led family meetings to resolve conflict, closing them with hymns and prayer on their knees. He was a humble servant and Christ-like example, and his legacy lives on in the lives of those he raised and inspired.

Robert believed in intentional living. One of his life mottos was:
"Every thirty days, take a little extra time and look yourself in the mirror. Ask yourself: Where have you been these last thirty days, and where are you going? If you have to hesitate to answer, it's time to set a few priorities and goals."

Another was simpler but just as profound:
"You be good to people, people be good to you."

An avid golfer, Robert spent countless hours at Andrews Air Force Base's golf course, often returning with stories of chance encounters with dignitaries—including several U.S. Presidents—and always a pocket full of found golf balls.

We close with his favorite Bible verse, which reflects both his invitation to others and the peace with which he left this world:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
—Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV)

Chief Master Sergeant Robert Toaali'i Siligo Palmer Jr. leaves behind a legacy of faith first, then family, and then country—marked by honor, strength, humility, and unwavering obedience to God. From the shores of American Samoa to the halls of military leadership, he was a pioneer, a protector, a provider, and above all, a servant of Christ.

We thank God for the gift of his life, and we are forever blessed to have had him as the head of our family.

A public viewing will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The funeral service will follow on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Both events will be held at:

Brinsfield Funeral Home
30195 Three Notch Road
Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
(301) 472-4400

The burial will be private for family members only.