Michael Palmer McKinster

Born on May 2, 1949, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Jack Edward and Jo Ann Palmer McKinster, Mike spent his childhood in Sherman and Richardson, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas-Austin in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Eager to put his love of music and business expertise to the test, he moved to San Marcos and opened Discovery Records & Tapes on N LBJ Drive. This expanded to Discovery Audio/Video in the new custom built “McKinster Building” in 1988 on W Hutchison, bringing high-end car audio while introducing home theater systems to San Marcos. When demand for internet grew, Mike adapted his business to installing in-home satellite and networking services.

In 1978 Mike bought an old German restaurant and his lasting legacy, Palmer’s Restaurant & Bar was born. Named in honor of his mother’s family name, Palmer’s has enjoyed 48 years of continuous service and is currently under the capable ownership of Monte and Kristin Sheffield.

Mike enjoyed sponsoring slow-pitch softball teams and participating in Chilympiad with his “Discovery Sub-woofer Chili Team.” Increasing his civic involvement, his newly renovated home was decorated for the 2015 Heritage Association of San Marcos’ Tour of Homes with the theme of “Manors, Man Caves, Meadows & A Pigsty.”

Mike loved fancy cars, fast motorcycles, old trucks, and big motorboats. He was also a licensed airplane pilot. Anyone who knew Mike knew his dogs, who played key roles in his life. From his legendary “Zero,” (known all over the UT Austin campus while riding on the back of Mike’s motorcycle in the early seventies), to his monster labrador “Uno” who passed in 2024, they were rarely separated as they were often in the Discovery store or on most jobsites.

Mike’s busy life followed the principle of his businesses – DISCOVERY: to seek, to explore, to push, to find, to enjoy, to know. A most worthy life goal. He will be sorely missed by his numerous friends and close acquaintances he made over his busy life of work, travel, and play.

McKinster was pre-deceased by his parents and is survived by his sister, Terry McKinster Steele (husband Michael) of Dallas, and godson Kirkland Baen of San Marcos. Arrangements for his interment at the family plot are under the direction of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home, Greenville, Texas. Memorial donations can be made to the Hays County Food Bank and/or the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.

A Celebration of Mike’s life will be hosted at Palmer’s in San Marcos in the coming months.