Major General Leslie M. Palm, USMC ( Ret.)
January 12, 2025
CHARLOTTE –
10/14/44 - 1/12/25
We all lost a best friend. Leslie Mather Palm passed away peacefully from Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis at age 80 on Sunday, January 12, 2025 in the hospital, surrounded by family.
Les was born and raised in Marysville, CA to Ralph Leslie and Marjorie (Mather) Palm. He was the admired big brother to Steve (Buford, GA) and Cheryl (dec.). Les graduated from Marysville High School in 1962 where he was student body president and outstanding athlete. He was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2016. He attended University of Oregon (‘66) on a football scholarship and played both offense and defence for the legendary coach Len Casanova. (Go Ducks!). In 1965, he was named a preseason All American defensive back. Les also was a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
He married Suzanne Abts Palm March 4, 1967, in Oroville CA and was blessed with Tori Bayer and Brian Palm.
He began his distinguished United States Marine Corps career in 1966, graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1967, and ultimately rising to Major General over his 31 plus years of service. From December 1967 to December 1968, Les served in Vietnam as a Forward Observer, Fire Direction Officer in the 1st Battalion, 13th Marines at Khe Sahn. In January 1972, he was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa. Gen. Palm had various assignments at Headquarters Marine Corps. In August 1990, he took command of the 10th Marines and participated in Operations Desert Shield and Storm followed by a December 1991 promotion to Brigadier General. BGen. Palm assumed command of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, CA in August 1994, followed by the promotion to Major General in 1995. Retiring in 1998, he assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Corps Association in Quantico, VA that included serving as publisher of the Marine Corps Gazette and the Leatherneck Magazine. He retired fully in 2010, moving with Suzanne to Charlotte, NC in 2012.
Les was a man of great faith, a devout Catholic. He greatly enjoyed volunteering for the church and for Charlotte’s needy and homeless organizations. He was a proud board member of the St. Bonaventure University Foundation. Les was a lifelong avid gardener and loved sharing his impressive flowers, to include his special love of orchids. He also enjoyed walking with Suzanne throughout their marriage.
He is survived by his dear wife of 57 years Suzanne Abts Palm, daughter Tori Bayer (Hooksett, NH), son Brian Palm (Charlotte, NC), and five wonderful grandchildren (Emory Bayer, Washington DC; Colin Bayer, Bow, NH; Tyler Palm, Charlotte, NC; Josephine Bayer, Bow, NH; and Cassie Palm, Charlotte, NC); as well as sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Randy Clark (Modesto, CA); brother-in-law Dr. Pedro Sanchez ( Falmouth, MA); and many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:45 am Friday, February 21st at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd in Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Les to Roof Above PO Box 31335, Charlotte, NC 28231; and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 909 N. Washington St, Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22314.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
-
My condolences to Suzanne. I met Les when we were both members of the Pastoral Council at St. Francis Of Assisi Church in Triangle, VA. Great memories. Rest in peace, Les.
-
As a humble PFC wireman, I was assigned to HQ battery, 10th Marines (an artillery unit). Major Palm was our S-3 officer. He was a personable, friendly, knowledgeable man who set a fine example for us young Marines. I encountered him several times more in my 22 year USMC career. He always remembered my name. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
-
I worked for Col. Palm at 10th Marine HQ as a Sgt.. He was an awesome leader. Much respect for him. R.I.P., Sir.
-
Suzanne,
I am so sorry for your loss, We had so many times together at Fort Sill and Amphibious Warfare School Quantico, Va.. I don't know if Les ever told you, but we were both FO's at Khesahn at the same time. Anyway so sorry again for your loss, My Phyllis is in Hospice Care right now, so I know your pain and what you probably went through. Richard Hoopes (USMC) Retired. -
I served with Gen Palm when he was the Director of Manpower Plans and Policy at Headquarters Marine Corps back in the 1992-93 timeframe. Always a gentleman who treated people with dignity and respect. Very fond memories. May he rest in peace.
-
Les was one of the finest people my wife and I were privileged to know. As a Marine, we held him high. As a neighbor we loved him.
Suzanne, please accept our heartfelt condolences. Blessings, Cliff & Roz -
Absolutely one of the finest men I've ever been associated with a true "American Hero". I was fortunate to spend and incredible year in 29 Palms learning life lessons with the General and Susanne. The world is a lesser place and our sincere condolences to the whole family.
"Fare winds and following seas"
Rik & Ann Eppard
"Catfish"
Capt USMC - (Aid de camp 1995) -
Les followed me as aide to General Jaskilka,Assistant Commandant USMC. His military record speaks for itself. I will remember him always as a friend and highly respected Marine Officer. Safe Travels to His Eternal New HOME. SemperFi !!! EdG
-
Les was a fine gentleman and Marine. He set a superb example for us all and will be missed. Our condolences to his family. He was truly, Semper Fidelis!
-
I have known Les Palm over half a century. Although we were not together for years at a time, I consider him a dear friend and a man of unsurpassed integrity and good character. He was a superb Marine who, along with his family, epitomized the very best in competence, humility, and kindness. RiP Les.
Share your memories & condolences