Merrill Arter Palmer

Merrill Arter Palmer, known to his friends as Pete, 99, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. He was born on July 25, 1926, in Rochester, New York. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17, during World War II. After the war, he attended Washington and Lee University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in humanities. He married Dawn Brewer, moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to raise a family, and then built a long career working in physics at Sandia Laboratories. After his first wife's death in 1987, and after 10 years alone, he met and happily married his second wife Anita.

 Pete was a highly intelligent and self-motivated individual with many varied interests throughout his life and greatly valued his family and friends. He was a lifelong cellist, playing chamber music with dear friends well into his nineties. He was also an avid reader, an expert coffee aficionado, a dedicated former cyclist, and an accomplished photographer. He will be greatly missed.

 He is survived by his daughter Lucinda (Garvin) Larson, stepsons, James and Stephan Phillips and their children. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren, Joel (Cristy) Lucero-Bryan, Jennifer Bryan, and Lee Palmer; and great grandchildren, Dawn, Malikhi, Antonio Lucero-Bryan, and Aven Bryan.

 He was preceded in death by his first wife Dawn, daughter Deborah, son Christopher and second wife Anita. 

 Burial will be private. Donations may be made to the Albuquerque Youth Symphony or a charity of your choice.