RIP: Lou Palmer, voice of Indy, 1932-2008
We're saddened to announce the passing of Louis A. Perunko, Jr., known to racing fans as Lou Palmer, who passed away this past Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the age of 75.
Palmer was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and was raised in Syracuse, New York. He moved to Indianapolis in 1953 and began announcing for WIBC radio in 1958. He became famous for his regular interviews of each year's winner of the Indy 500 from Victory Lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and served as a reporter and anchor for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network reporter from 1953 to 1989, as well as being its chief in 1988 and 1989. Palmer was also an announcer on the CART radio network in the mid-90s before retiring some 10 years ago.
A memorial service will be held this coming Saturday, January 26 beginning at 1:30pm at the Camby Community Church in Indianapolis. Our condolences to the family of the dearly departed.
[Source: AutoWeek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jim Sieferman 3:30PM (2/04/2008)
I lived down the street from Lou Palmer in the late 50's/early 60's in Indy. Was as nice a man as you'd want to find. A joy to listen to on the race broadcasts, too. A great way to hold on to a pice of my childhood. Condolences to the family.
Jim Sieferman
Lansing, IL
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JN 4:08PM (1/23/2008)
When you grow up, as I did, the son of an avid 500 fan, you learn rather quickly who the true voice of the 500 is. That voice was Lou Palmer. I still maintain that the race isn't what it used to be, and not for the other various and sundry reasons that many would argue. When Lou Palmer retired, that was the end of the Golden Era for me.
We've lost a true great in Lou.
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Bob 10:06AM (1/23/2008)
Godspeed Lou. And thanks for the all the great memories.
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