MSgt Charles Richard Palmer Chuck "N0UKO," age 77 of Rapid Valley died January 25 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Chuck was born Feb 23, 1934 in Rapid City, the son of Manuel Palmer and Mildred Hinckley. He entered the Air Force in January 1954. He was married Feb 24, 1955 to Frances Hopkins at First United Methodist in Rapid City. For the next 22 years she joined him in various postings around the world. To their union was born 4 children. The tradition of military service he learned in his family, he passed on to 3 of his grandsons. During one of his postings at Ellsworth Air Base, he and Frances owned and ran Parkway Arcade. They retired from the Air Force in 1977. Chuck worked at Bella Vista Nursing Home, Ace Hardware and H & R Block. Chuck was a very generous and giving person. Always welcoming others to their home, he and Frances adopted many people. Always an adventuresome soul, he loved exploring and traveling. He spent many hours in the Hills on his motorcycle and later in his van. He was a member of several Ham Radio Clubs. This love of exploring he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Frances; two daughters, Carol (Jeffrey) Hirth, Rapid City and T.Lou (Tony) Garton, Everett, WA; 6 grandsons, Noel Palmer, Vietnam, Spc Richard Hirth, Kuwait, Sgt G. Peter Hirth, Frt Campbell, KY, Pvt Patrick Hirth (Jana), Frt Campbell, KY, Benjamin Hirth, Rapid City, Luke Hirth, Rapid City; two great-grandsons, Jordan and Lucas; one sister Betty Thompson, Rapid City; one son-in-law, Larry Hannel, Auburn, WA a niece Laurie Anne Christiansen, WV; great nieces and great nephews; a daughter by other parents, Sr. Phoebe Schwartze, OSB, Sacred Heart Monastery, Richardton, ND and many friends. Preceding him in death are his parents and stepfather, Lemuel Wood, a son Richard, a daughter Laural and his brother Lawrence Palmer. Visitation will be Wednesday, Feb 1, from 5pm-7pm at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Services will be on Thursday, Feb 2, at 11:00 am at South Maple United Methodist Church with Rev. John E. McNight, Jr., officiating. A luncheon will follow. Burial will be at 2pm at Black Hill National Cemetery with military honors will be provided by Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard. Memorials can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children-Twin Cities.