He was 77.
Palmer began his career in 1957 as a writer and reporter at an NBC-owned station then known as KOA-TV. He spent 26 years with the station, which later became the CBS-owned KCNC-TV.
He signed off in 1997.
Palmer also worked at KMGH-TV, which was a CBS affiliate before switching to ABC.
KCNC-TV news director Tim Wieland says Palmer was most proud of being a reporter, not an anchor, but always signed off from the anchor desk with his signature phrase "It's nice to have you with us on News 4."
Palmer's family says he died of natural causes.
Funeral services will be private.