Scott Vincent Palmer's Obituary
“You are here to enrich the world.” – Woodrow Wilson
Scott Vincent Palmer, age 70, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed away on April 9, 2026. The Lord called him Home near the end of his final run, in a nearby park in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Scott lived a life of kindness, adventure, and steadfast dedication to his faith, family, friends, and community. He loved running in beautiful places. We are heartened that he finished strong.
Scott was born on August 31, 1955, in Wichita, Kansas, to John Sheldon “J.S.” Palmer and Mary Ann (Sawtelle) Palmer. The family primarily lived in Wichita, but a stint living in Colorado fostered a love for the Rocky Mountains that would become lifelong. His father built planes for Boeing after serving as a Naval aviator in World War II, and Scott grew up fascinated by the great forces of history, as well as by trains, planes, architecture, and travel. As a boy, he kept his ears open for train whistles and his eyes on the skies.
As he grew, Scott developed an appreciation for classical music, and worked hard to become an accomplished clarinetist. He earned places in competitive bands and orchestras throughout his high school and college careers, where he performed beloved symphonic works that would become the soundtrack of his life. His sons would later grow up with their ears full of Gustav Mahler and Anton Bruckner, his perennial favorites.
During this time, Scott unknowingly crossed paths with a dedicated violinist who would later become his lifelong companion. It wasn’t until after he had completed his music degree from Wichita State University and was working as Stage Manager for the Wichita Symphony that their paths crossed again, and he was finally introduced to Faye Bemis. Though neither was looking to date at the time, Scott and Faye couldn’t resist their shared love of music, the great outdoors, kindness, and faith. Perpetually shy, Scott couldn’t believe such a beautiful, talented girl would be interested in him. Faye saw right away that Scott “wasn’t like all the other boys.” They married on May 25, 1979, in Faye’s hometown of Hays, Kansas.
Scott became a father to Raymond in 1980 and to Carl in 1983. Scott and Faye raised their boys in Wichita, where Scott worked first for a small regional airline and then as an elementary teacher, while Faye taught violin. These years were filled with trains, sports, music, school, and travel (most frequently to Colorado). Through it all, Scott was a thoughtful, patient, and loving father to Ray and Carl – qualities that he nurtured in them. Scott’s energy and enthusiasm helped guide him through the joyous, hectic, and challenging work of raising two boys to be thoughtful and compassionate men.
After Ray and Carl were grown, Scott and Faye moved to Colorado Springs to be close to the mountains that Scott loved. There he became a runner, dedicating himself to exploring mountain trails. Scott took pride in participating in races, where he frequently topped his age groups. Neither the elements nor good sense could ever stop Scott from running. He once ran a half marathon up Pikes Peak in a snowstorm. He was known to use special equipment to run when trails were icy. He put on a final burst of speed to beat the costumed chile pepper in Fayetteville’s Chile Pepper Run. He coached Cross Country, helping to nurture young runners. The highlight of his running career was completing the Boston Marathon in 2012, with his family there to cheer him on.
Even from a distance, Scott guided his sons into their adulthood. Both Carl and Ray pursued careers related to Scott’s interests. Carl became an architect, eventually settling in New York City, where he and fiancé Melanie Holm enticed Scott and Faye to step out of their comfort zone and embrace all the city had to offer. Scott was equally fascinated by the living history of the city, the many great buildings and the wooded jogging trails of uptown Manhattan. Ray became a luthier, supplying instruments to the symphonies that Scott loved. At home, Scott could frequently be found bent over a heavy tome about a president or historical event, after which he would call his sons to tell them what he’d learned. He loved to tell them (and anyone who would listen) about hiking trails he’d discovered, trains he had seen, musical performances he had attended, or places he was dreaming of going. What Scott loved, he always wanted to share with others.
Only one thing could have tempted Scott away from his beloved Colorado: in 2021, he and Faye moved to Springdale, Arkansas to be close to his two young granddaughters, Elise and Cora. He spent the last five years of his life hiking, running, kayaking, sledding, reading, attending school events, and much more with them. Scott loved to teach people things, in and out of a classroom. He poured this energy into Elise and Cora, often “playing gym class,” stealing them from school for kayaking adventures, showing them his favorite maps, and devolving into goofiness. He was the adult that always had energy to run with them.
Scott’s love of serving others extended far beyond his family. In Northwest Arkansas, he volunteered at Meals on Wheels, St. James Community Pantry, and Samaritan Community Center. He organized men’s hiking and running groups at Fellowship Mosaic, he and Faye’s church home. He worked as a substitute teacher in local schools. The last years of his life were characterized by the many ways in which he gave to others and received so much back in return.
The Lord used Scott to spread joy and adventure in many ways, to many people. To his wife, he was a servant and trusted confidante. To his sons, he was a steady role model and dedicated family leader. To his students, he was a creative and energizing force. To his granddaughters, he was the Abominable Snowman, the adult who played with them like a kid. To his friends, he was endearingly persistent – able to pull other people into the things that he loved. To his community, he was a dedicated presence, a source of warmth and light. Scott was a quiet person who lived a colorful life. He set an example for us all to follow:
Love others practically.
Never sit still.
Finish strong.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Palmer and Mary Ann Palmer. He is survived by his wife, Faye Palmer; sons, Raymond Palmer and wife Melanie of Fayetteville, and Carl Palmer and fiancée Melanie Holm of New York City, New York; granddaughters, Elise and Cora; and sister, Traci Palmer of Wichita, Kansas.
A memorial service is planned for 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 18th in the Chapel at Fellowship Rogers, located at 1051 W Pleasant Grove Road, Rogers, AR 72758. There will be a private burial at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. To leave a tribute, please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Samaritan Community Center in Rogers or St. James Food Pantry in Fayetteville.
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