Dr. Reid Palmer, Ph.D. passed away Sunday August 17, 2014, at the age of 73. Dr. Palmer was a USDA Research Geneticist and an adjunct Professor in the Departments of Agronomy and Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology.

Dr. Palmer is widely recognized and respected, at ISU and across the world, for his contributions to plant science, especially soybean genetics. His studies were published in over 200 research articles and book chapters.

Dr. Palmer was a dedicated mentor to many undergraduate researchers, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists. Many of the students and scientists who trained with Dr. Palmer went on to be leaders in allied fields in academia, private industry or government. Dr. Palmer enjoyed laboratory research, but he really loved being outside in his soybean fields planting, making delicate crosses, and harvesting the results of experiments.

Dr. Palmer received prestigious recognitions for his professional activities over the years, including being a member of 11 professional and honorary societies. Awards included: the Raymond and Mary Baker Agronomy Excellence Award, Soybean Researchers Recognition Award, Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy, Fellow of the Crop Science Society of America, Distinguished Fellow of the Iowa Academy of Science, and National Council of Commercial Plant Breeding Genetics and Plant Breeding Award.

Dr. Palmer is remembered with admiration and respect, for his many contributions to plant science and soybean breeding.

Beyond the academic and agricultural communities, many others will remember Reid Palmer as a friend and neighbor who loved to travel with his wife Nuray. He walked to work each day, even in the snow or rain. He brought keen observations and good humor to neighborly conversations. There is no doubt that Reid touched many individuals during his lifetime. What he gave to them in friendship, training and love will be felt for generations to come.