Robert Andre Palmateer, Sr.

Robert Andre Palmateer, Sr., 86, of  Las Vegas, NV, died Monday, May 4, 2020 at his home.

Graveside services will be at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.

Andre was born December 13, 1933 in Amarillo, TX.

He and his family moved to Texico, New Mexico in 1950. He attended high school there graduating in 1952.  He wrote the words to the school song which they still use today.

After high school, he worked for the Texaco Refinery in Amarillo for 28 years, Naval Reserves Seabees for 16 years, and National Guard for 4 years and retired in 1979. While in the Seabees, in 1968 he was called to active duty and served with MCB 62 near Danang, Vietnam. August 23, 1968 attacked with mortars and rockets.  There were 3 KIA and 4 MIA. All battalions were awarded Navy Combat actions ribbons.

After the Texaco Refinery closed in 1985, he moved to Las Vegas, NV starting his own handyman business. While in Las Vegas, he met and married the love of his life, Colleen Sprecher.

He is survived by his son, Charlie Palmateer, of Amarillo; adopted daughter, Elizabeth Dela Cruz (Edward Taggart), of  Las Vegas, NV; one brother, George Palmateer, of Golden, CO; two sisters, Linda Jester (James) and Marsha Vandagriff, of Amarillo; 4 grandchildren, John Palmateer, Jeanie Griffin (William), Joel Palmateer (Elizabeth), and Jessica Gardner (Calvin); 12 great-grandchildren, Andre Palmateer, Garrison Gardner, Emma Palmateer, Jaidin Palmateer, Hazel Palmateer, Grayson Gardner, Sophie Griffin, Allissa-Lea Palmateer, Griffin Gardner, Lillie-Anne Palmateer, Grier Gardner, and Joel Palmateer, Jr; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife, Colleen Sprecher Palmateer in 2005; his parents, Marshall and Marjorie Palmateer; 3 sisters, Roberta Thomas, Shirley Palmateer, and Aloma Walton; son, Robert Andre Palmateer, Jr; and great-grandson, Westley Griffin.

5 Replies to “Robert Andre Palmateer, Sr.”

  1. DAD, there’s a lot of good memories of YOU that I will always treasure those times. My heart is bleeding knowing YOU’re no longer here . I will missed every morning and every dinner YOU’re with us. YOU are a great man that has pride to yourself, a good friend to all people YOU know and even the people YOU don’t really know.DAD , you’re sweet and kind heart is what I love about YOU. YOU are the best thing that happened to me.This is not goodbye but I will missed YOU until I see you again. I love YOU very very much.❤️❤️❤️P.S.Dad, please say hello to my mom( Emilia )and father (Andres )in heaven. 😘😘😘

  2. I have always loved Andre and will til the day I die . He was an awesome man and I wished him happiness and warm feet always ! See you in heaven !

  3. Andre was my best buddy growing up. I met Andre in grade school when we were about 10 years old. After the 10th grade he moved to Texico, NM and I never saw him again until he and I returned from the service. I helped him land the job at the Texaco Refinery in Amarillo and we worked together for the next 25 years. After the Plant closed in Amarillo he moved to Las Vegas and would see him about twice a year. May he rest in peace and I’ll see my old friend again some day.

  4. Andre and my Dear Husband Bill…had been friends since they were young boys. He and Bill would always visit and enjoy talking old times when Andre would visit Amarillo. Bill and I spent time with he and his wife in Vegas also. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you Brothers, And Sister and rest of family. He loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest.

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