Kevin Linn Palmer

Kevin Palmer was born on October 11, 1979, in McAllen, Texas. He entered God’s kingdom on May 1, 2024.

Assistant Chief Palmer grew up in Mission, Texas where he attended Sharyland High School and graduated in 1998. After graduating high school, Kevin attended the University of Texas A&M and then attended the community college of the Air Force after joining the United States Air Force in 2003. During his service in the U.S.A.F. he was awarded the Air Force outstanding unit award, small arms expert award, and received a marksmanship ribbon award.

On February 13, 2004, Kevin began his law enforcement career with the North Richland Hills Police Department. Before being promoted to the rank of sergeant, Kevin was a Field Training Officer, a Drug Recognition Expert, a member of our SWAT team, and a member of the Honor Guard. Kevin was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2012 where he served in many different capacities as Sergeant. From 2012 through 2018 Kevin served as sergeant in the Community Resources Division, Uniformed Services Division, and the Criminal Investigations Division. In 2018 Kevin was promoted to Lieutenant where he served in the Uniformed Services Division until 2020. In January 2020, Kevin was promoted to the rank of Captain where he served the Community Resources Division and the Uniformed Services Division. In July 2023, Kevin was promoted to Assistant Chief where he was responsible for overseeing the operations bureau of our department.

Throughout his law enforcement career, Assistant Chief Palmer continued his education both on a personal and professional path. Kevin attended many programs and obtained many certifications to include: Master’s Peace Officer License, Basic Instructor and Firearms Proficiency license, attended the Police Executive Research Forum in 2021, was a member of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration, and a 2022 graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy. In the 20 years that Assistant Chief Kevin Palmer served our community he received over 40 award records including: many Meritorious Service awards, several personal and supervisor commendations and a lifesaving award.

Kevin had a personal and real relationship with our Heavenly Father and spent his life sharing the Father’s love with his twin boys. He adored his wife Kelli and devoted his entire being to loving and providing for her every need. Their happiest times were spent doing family activities, from boardgames, to hiking, to movie nights, trips and backyard BBQ’s. Kevin was happiest surrounded by his family. When life's struggles hit, nothing relaxed Kevin more than the old country gate shutting behind his truck as he drove to the deer stand with both boys in tow.

Kevin was preceded in death by his brother, Bryan Palmer and his mother, Stacey Morris.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Kelli Palmer; twin sons, Mason Palmer and Gavin Palmer; by his fathers, Gary Palmer and Randy Morris, his sister, Clara Hustad, his brother Billy Garza, his mother and father-in-law, Mark and Patricia Johnson and Danny and Donna Winn, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Seth and Kristyn Johnson and Barbara and Bill Cook, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Celebration of Life with full Police Honors will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Keystone Church located at 1939 Keller Parkway, Keller, Texas 76248 with interment following at I.O.O.F Westlake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the following organizations that hold a special place in our hearts!

NRH Police Association
North Richland Hills (NRH) Police Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to work in partnership with citizens, businesses and philanthropic organizations to provide support to the members and volunteers of the NRH Police Department.

Parks and Wildlife Youth Hunts
Texas Youth Hunting Program was established in 1996 to provide opportunities for youth to participate in hunting activities safely, legally, and ethically, while learning about the valuable role landowners and hunters play in wildlife conservation.