Ralph Judson Palmer (c. 1943 – July 14, 1971) was a California newspaper publisher and school board member. Palmer was born around 1943 to Mr. and Mrs. Harlan G. Palmer. He was educated at Fairfax High School and Occidental College, both in Los Angeles, and at the Columbia University School of Journalism. He was a naval officer during World War II, after which he was publisher of community newspapers in Reseda, Canoga Park, Chatsorth, and Tarzana, all in Los Angeles. Palmer died on July 14, 1971, while vacationing with his family at Mammoth Lakes, California.