Cover photo for Arthur James Palmer's Obituary
Arthur James Palmer Profile Photo
1923 Arthur 2013

Arthur James Palmer

May 19, 1923 — April 7, 2013

The Bantu: Arthur James Bantu Palmer passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2013 at the care of his wife's home Anita M Palmer in Northeast Portland, Oregon. Arthur Bantu Palmer was born on May, 19th in Defuniak Springs, Florida to Perry and Julia Mae Oates.
Arthur James Palmer Sr. is the second born of seven children, five brothers and one sister. Described by his siblings, Arthur Palmer was being viewed as curious and was inspired by the unusual aspects of life. He enjoyed fishing with his brothers and as a teenager, built a home for his mother and began traveling throughout the state on his own.
Later, he enlisted to join the Navy to further pursue his traveling desire, and also for the purpose of meeting up with his older brother, who was also enlisted in the navy. Assigned to the USS York Town, an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, he sustained injuries during the Japanese attack at Midway that led to a disabled, honorable discharge.
Arthur J Bantu Palmer first wife, Eddie Lee Burns of Galveston, Texas and together, they had two children: Arthur James Jr. and Nancy Carol. The parents eventually divorced.
At the time of his passing, Arthur Bantu Palmer was married to Anita M. Casey for over fifty years. Anita Palmer had two sons, Ron Able and Melvin Able.
Art pursued his ambitions, not only of becoming great, but wanting to do great things. He built and owned the first black lodging place in Northeast Portland named the Desert Motel. Later, Anita and Arthur Palmer, maintained ownership of New Rose City Cab Company, Bantu Towing and other business endeavor since 1969. New Rose City Cab Company is the oldest African-American owned business in the City, and has been operating for four decades. Its origins trace back to an unfortunate period of time when skin color barriers made the simple act of obtaining taxi cab services a challenge for some of our citizens.
His pursuits were not just for personal gains, but as a result of his earlier childhood, his observations and self-taught knowledge, travels and experiences, he became an advocate for those who could not speak for themselves. Arthur Bantu Palmer raised many of our awareness's of our Black heritage and the rights that go along with being human beings.
Arthur is survived by his wife of over 50 years: Anita Palmer; daughter: Nancy Carol; stepson: Melvin Able; brother: Alfonzo Oates, of Miami, Florida; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Arthur is preceded in death by his son: : Arthur James Jr., and stepson: Ron Able.

The Bantu would like to give a special thanks to the following people that were in his life.

Bantu Descendants
Tanya (TC) Velasquez a loving Bantu daughter, along with her mother Harriet Stevenson and family.
Ollie Robertson, a faithful Bantu daughter and her son Jaobi Lambert.
Melvin Drain a persistent and passionate Bantu son, along with his respectable and skillful grandson Chris Drain.
Donna and Denise Royal and family
Bantu's Proceeded Mr. Bantu In Death
Leroy Lemons, Robert Phillips, Hohn Ellis, Jerry Howard Kojo Hayden, Bobatu White, Robert Johnson, Renee Martin, Fredricka Corly, Philip Bryant, Allan Bowens
A special thank you to Unita Isom and family for all the loving care and compassion.
Along with the following descendants who will remember to carry on the life of Bantuism and practice the four pillars of Knowledge, Truth, Compassion and Courage :
Erskin White, Ernest Moore Clarence, Tommy Hayden, Andrea Johnson, Doug Campos, Ronnie Fair, Willie Grant, Katrina Brown Heyser, Faye Brown, Newmecheprie Brown, Paula Brooke, Vernell Franklin, Gillman Johnson, Malcom and Jonah Williams, Dolinda Gooseberryparks, William and Ronald Hill, Mizzy, Tony Washington, Anthony (Bubbly) Reid. Ernest Harris, Robert Dickson, Edward Taylor, Barbara
New Rose City Cab Company
Patricia Montgomery, a longtime employee and family member who worked hard and brilliantly as an administrator for New Rose City Cab and Bantu Enterprises
Jean Johnson, for her dependability, loyalty, love, concern, and devotion.
Marge Espinoza, helpful, diligence and work ethics.
To each New Rose City Cab driver from the present and past: Dale Bell, Nikolay Nikora, Kaluu Davis, Slavacc, Anatoliy, Sergey, Patrick, Igal Abdoul and more more "Thank You" for your hard work and dedication through the years.
18 & Dekum Street Market
William Heyser, Linda Harris and family, Shannalynn Ford, Shane Davis, and Joseph Ware.
Alberta Auto Shop: Melecio, and Francisco
Alberta Auto Paint Shop: Clemente and family
Longtime Family Friends
A special appreciation to Ronald Herdon, a friend for his endless achievement for betterment of education for all children
Joseph Carr who is helpful and handy in our homes and businesses
Kent Ford and his diligent efforts working for kids in the community
Special Honors to Jerome and Shaunna Tanner, formally of Cox funeral home, the oldest African American owned funeral home in Portland.
Johnny Moore, long time personal friend, and a special "Thank You" for his overnight care and having the ability to make Mr. Palmer eat when he didn't want to.
Stanley Nicholas and family who shares a passion with us in jazz and blues
John Hamilton and family who has been a guidance and inspiration through some of New Rose City Cab Company most difficult times.
"Bantu means, mankind who banded together for the benefit of man and laid the foundation for civilization through the involvement of the tribe" Arthur J. Palmer (Scanner Newspaper July 6, 1983)

Visitation

Rose City Funeral Home
5625 Northeast Fremont Street
Portland , OR US 97213-1754
Thursday, April 11, 2013, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Service

Rose City Funeral Home
5625 Northeast Fremont Street
Portland , OR US 97213-1754
Saturday, April 13, 2013, 11:00 AM

Cemetery

Rose City Cemetery
5625 N.E. Fremont St.
Portland , OR US 97213-1754
Saturday, April 13, 2013, 12:30 PM


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