Charles L. "Charlie" Palmer, 84, of Savoy passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana on Wednesday morning (Jan. 13, 2016) with his family by his side.

Charlie was born on May 18, 1931, to Walter and Gertrude June (McKinley) Palmer in Champaign. He was married to Barbara Palmer from 1957 to 1974. He married Roberta "Bobbie" Palmer on June 9, 1975, in Champaign.

Charlie, a 1957 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law, practiced in Champaign County for 53 years. The majority of his career was in private practice at Franklin, Flynn & Palmer (now Flynn, Palmer, Tague & Jacobson). Previously he served as assistant state's attorney and assistant city attorney for Champaign as well as interim public defender for Champaign County and outside counsel for the University of Illinois.

In addition, Charlie was a Fellow for the American College of Trial Lawyers, a 2004 Laureate Award winner by the Academy of Illinois Lawyers, and a Pillar of the Bar for Champaign County Bar Association. He was an ISBA member including Assembly from 1972-1978, served as president of the Champaign County Bar Association from 1971-1972, and acting state attorney for Champaign County in 1962.

His strong sense of duty to the law and judicial system led to his well-respected reputation in the community and as a caring mentor for young lawyers.

Survivors include his daughter, Mary (Jeff) Kane of Santa Ana, Calif.; daughter, Mindy (Joseph) Calcagno of Mahomet; son, Matthew (Missy) Palmer of Pasadena, Calif.; son, Mark (Emily) Palmer of Champaign; grandchildren, Benjamin Kane, Brittany Kane, David Kane, Daniel Kane, Elizabeth Palmer, Angelina Calcagno, Elizabeth Calcagno, Christina Calcagno, Luke Palmer, Logan Palmer, Landon Palmer, Vera Palmer and Elizabeth Palmer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and son Paul Palmer.

Services have been held. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association of Illinois.