Dr. Anthony "Tony" Palmer

November 19th, 1967 - August 22nd, 2020

Dr. Anthony "Tony"'s Memory Wall

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Tony, I just found out that you passed away today. I remember all the chess tournaments we went to since high school. All the chess games we played together. We went together to St Louis to plan in a large chess tournament, US Youth Championships. Then, you traveled to Las Vegas for us to attend a chess tournament together about 2003 or so. I, like you, went to medical school and completed my internal medicine residency as you did. We had so many things in common with each other, its too bad we lost communication in the last years of your life. I thought of you often although we had not spoken in some time. You will be sadly missed. Your close friend, Michael Koteles

Michael Koteles Jr

November 2nd, 2020 at 9:37pm

Today I just learned of Dr. Palmer’s passing. He was my Doctor in 2001 when I went in for a routine physical and his thorough exam determined I needed a kidney biopsy. It resulted in me finding out I had a rare kidney disease and he referred me to the Mayo Clinic. Thanks to Dr. Palmer I took preventative treatment to prolong the need for a kidney as I moved to Tennessee in 2002. I had a successful kidney transplant in 2008 from my brother at Vanderbilt and then returned to the area in 2009 and he immediately accepted me back as a patient. I enjoyed his dry humor and political conversations as we always seemed to be on the same page. I will miss him and enjoyed reading about his chess expertise. My condolences to the family.

David Reynolds

September 10th, 2020 at 9:44pm

It is still so hard to believe that doctor is no longer with us. For 16 years I watched how dedicated he was to his patients ,they were like family to him. His love of his family and his general desire to do whatever he could to help someone else.He so enjoyed helping his chess students gain the skills necessary for their competitions. His favorite time of year was Christmas, he enjoyed gifts that he received but his greatest joy was shopping for gifts for others. Our Christmas party would look like a trip to Disneyland. He would spend hours decorating the staff room and our desks. And I think all year long he would listen to little conversations we would have so he knew what Presents he wanted to get us. There was always so much thought into the gifts he would give you. And he was so excited to see you open them. He was truly a wonderful friend. He is definitely gone too soon. We will truly miss you and thank you for all the laughter and memories. And all that you taught us about patient care and dedication. Rest In Peace and we will all meet up again . Sympathy to the entire family. Sherry Johnson

Sherry Johnson

September 5th, 2020 at 10:32pm

We send our condolences to the family and office staff of Dr. Tony Palmer. He was my doctor since 2007 and was also the doctor for my father-in-law. Our family appreciated his kind and caring personality. I enjoyed my discussions with Dr. Palmer during my office visits which were always insightful not only medically but also on social issues. Raymond and the office staff were always very helpful and caring. Burwell and Christine Carmichael.

Burwell & Christine Carmichael

August 31st, 2020 at 3:48pm

I went to many chess tournaments with Dr. Palmer, and I'm pretty sure I never paid for a single meal at one of those tournaments. That's just how generous of a man he was! After chess games, players sometimes analyze their games with their opponent. I will admit that in large tournaments with strangers, this is a weakness of mine. When I lose, sometimes I have not been able to swallow my own ego to ask to analyze. Sometimes when I win, I have not had the confidence to offer to analyze. Tony almost always analyzed every game with his opponent, and really challenged me to improve in this area. Truly, he was one of the most generous and gracious people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Picture: At Buca di Beppo, in between rounds at the 2015 Chicago Open, Wheeling, Illinois

Nicholas Schwerin

August 30th, 2020 at 8:46pm

He was My Dr, confidant, and friend. He was My Dr for over 20 years. When I was really sick he'd call at night or on the weekend, just to see if I was ok. 14 years ago when I had my check up, he to!c me the surgeon General stated, when a woman reached 50 they could get mammograms every 2 years. I to!d him the insurance covered it so he set it up. God was watching over us. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The surgeon he sent.me to was at Cedarwood as well. I was sitting in my car crying when I got the news,. He called me as soon as I got to my car. Kathy he said WE are going to.get through this. You need to believe me. This was Friday the 13th. He set everything up with all the best Dr's. By Tuesday 3 days later I had surgery. Stage 2.
He was there every step advising and listening to get me though it. His wisdom and caring saved my life. It was a very aggressive cancer. I will be 14years cancer free in October. I will miss him so much. To all of his family my prayers, thoughts, and tears be with you.

Kathy Fetke

August 29th, 2020 at 7:39pm

Dear Palmers: My folks, Al and I are so sad to hear of Tony's passing. It's hard for me to imagine him as an adult and a doctor -- I think the last time i saw him was at Al's and my wedding reception in Fenton, and (that was such a whirlwind).Mostly I remember him as Carole's baby brother who skunked me at chess in 4 moves at age 5 or 6, or falling off a picnic bench laughing at a family joke. He was a sweet kid then and sounds like he was a sweet and thoughtful brother always. Sending you all love and deepest sympathies! Laura Noble & family

Laura Noble

August 28th, 2020 at 11:36am

Dr. Tony Palmer was our very first chess coach and he nurtured our dawning interest in chess into a lifelong passion. Tony’s ability to explain the complex game of chess to young kids impressed us at the time and still amazes us today. For over five years, Tony dedicated his time, rain or shine, to coach us and help us improve. Through his tutelage, we learned more about the game of chess than we could have imagined when we first asked him to coach us. While Tony provided immeasurable help with improving our chess game, he also managed to teach us valuable lessons off the chess board. Through his example, we learned to treat every player and every game the same, to examine every game and learn its lesson win or lose, and to offer the opportunity to review every game. His humility and sportsmanship, as well as his willingness to lend a helping hand, often times preceded him in the chess community and will be carried on in his legacy. We will miss him dearly.

Peter Chen

August 28th, 2020 at 11:14am

I was a long time patient. Dr. Palmer made a visit to see him fun because I knew we would have some interesting conversation that always included at least a smile or more often a laugh. He was a very kind and thoughtful soul. Look at the other condolences and this theme is repeated. What a shame. But we know he now has time to enjoy many great games of chess with some impressive opponents. Checkmate, Doctor!