DOVER - Richard A. "Rick" Palmer, of Dover, died at home on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, after a determined 12 year battle with prostate cancer. He was 60. Rick was born Nov. 5, 1950, in Dover, to the late William A. and Katherine Montague Palmer. Rick had a long career in the hardware and plumbing fields. For the last 6 years he was employed as a Customer Service Associate in the plumbing and hardware departments at Lowe's in Camden. Rick was a member of the Kent Coin Club and also enjoyed collecting and trading old lottery tickets. An avid player in his younger years, Rick later became a certified volleyball referee. He officiated Delaware high school volleyball matches, as well as various Kent County Parks & Recreation programs, for several years. Rick was a fan of UD football and enjoyed attending home games. He had a special passion for vacationing on the Outer Banks, especially surf fishing at Cape Hatteras, N.C. Rick is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mel McDaniel Palmer of Dover; and a brother, Donald W. Palmer and wife Carol of Smyrna. An indoor/outdoor celebration of Rick's life will be held: 2 p.m., Saturday Nov. 5, 2011, at the Burnt Ducks Hunt Club, 2915 Dyke Branch Rd, Dover, DE 19901. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Letters of condolence may be sent, and a guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.