Edgar R. Palmer
In Memoriam
This R.B.Hall Day Program is dedicated to Bandsman Edgar R. Palmer,
born December 7 , 1922 in Gardiner, Maine, to Jack and Edith (Bannister)
Palmer; he joined the Massed Band in Heaven on November 29, 2006 at Palm
Harbor, Florida.
Edgar started his musical hobby at an early age, playing on a borrowed
trumpet, and later transferring to the Eb mellophone.
Edgar played in the Waterville High School Band, and the Old Bourque-Lavigan
Post 5 Band until its disbandment. Edgar, along with others, joined the
newly organized R.B.Hall Memorial Band in _______. In the late 1950s, Edgar
played in the Portland Commandry Band with his friends, Edwin Pinkham
(Pinky), and Burns Hillman, all from Waterville. Edgar was also a longtime
member of the Hallowell Band, where he could be found in the horn section at
the Boothbay Harbor Band Concert in front of the Town Library on many summer
nights.
Edgar’s illness did not prevent his playing the horn right up to his leaving
for their 26 year winter residence in Florida. We were thrilled to have him
playing with the R.B.Hall Memorial Band through the summer 2006 season.
Edgar joined the U.S.Air Force during World War II, serving in North Africa,
India, and China. He was employed by the Maine Central Railroad for 33 as
the Conductor of “5wr8”. Edgar was a past Master of the Waterville Masonic
Lodge, No.33 F & AM.
Edgar leaves his wife, Lois, two daughters, and one son. Edgar’s horn is
being donated to the R.B.Hall Memorial Band today by his wife Lois for the
benefit of others who may not be fortunate to have their own instrument, but
longs to participate in the friendship of the society of the Maine Community
Band system.