October 11, 1979 – May 1, 2024

Kevin Linn Palmer

One word that best describes Kevin is legacy. He left a legacy about how to live life: To love others, laugh a lot, enjoy the finer things and take the primitive trail.

Kevin recently reached his 20-year anniversary of working for the North Richland Hills Police Department, where, according to his wife, Kelli Palmer, he “rose from being a police officer to being the assistant chief of police in a larger city.”

“Kevin was a very respected member of the police department, and others looked up to him a great deal because of the way he carried himself,” Palmer said. “Kevin always felt that no task or job was beneath him, and he was always willing to lend a hand.”

“His life goal was to work hard, be a good husband, father and friend and just make sure that everybody around him could laugh,” Palmer said. “Kevin would always say that if you’re not laughing at yourself, then you’re doing life wrong.”

When Kelli first met Kevin, her first impression was that “he had a great smile and a way of putting those around him at ease,” Palmer said.

Kevin and Kelli have twin boys, Mason and Gavin Palmer, who are 14 years old.

While he was very dedicated to being with his family, Kevin also made sure both he and his family were active members of the community through their church.

“Kevin always saw the good and potential in other people, and the people around him knew he valued them,” Palmer said.

Along with being a father, Kevin had almost finished earning his master’s degree from A&M in Public Service and Administration. Even before attending A&M, Kevin always had a passion for pursuing higher education.

“He knew that to be an officer … he would need to earn a college degree, and he knew pursuing a college education would put him on that path,” Palmer said.

Kevin grew up doing things outdoors and had a passion for public service. He became a part of the Corps of Cadets and lived in the Air Force reserves while also being a police officer.

Kevin’s interest in the Corps and traditions drew him to A&M, as did his desire to be part of such a well-respected institution.

Kevin was “incredibly bright, and there was an appeal to attending a prestigious university like A&M, which is why he came back to earn his master’s degree [here],” Palmer said.

“The A&M tradition and spirit is very strong with Kevin and our family, “Palmer said. “We hope that his life inspires others to … set goals and work hard to achieve them, but do so in a way that honors other people and lets everyone around you know how much you care.”