HAMM, David Roberts (Age 89) After spending a weekend surrounded by family and friends, David Roberts Hamm left this earthly world on July 15, 2014. Born to William Hamm and Isabelle Driskell Hamm in Blackwater, Missouri, on January 27, 1925, he was the third of five brothers. David's life was shaped by the experiences of his youth during the Great Depression and his coming of age during World War II. David enlisted in the US Marine Corps just after his 17th birthday. Sent to the South Pacific as a radio operator, he was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries received on Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. When he returned to active duty, he replaced a woman Marine named Carol Potts. The two began dating, and were married at Temple Baptist Church in Kansas City on October 16, 1946. Following his discharge, David began his 39-year railroad career as a Northern Pacific telegraph operator in North Dakota. He later served as a livestock agent in Montana and an agricultural agent in the Columbia Basin before moving into property management as part of the Glacier Park Company. David was preceded in death by his wife Carol. Survivors include the couple's six children, Carol (Tom) Bellinger, Linda (Randy) Crowe, David Hamm, Cynthia (Kyle) Malmquist, James (Dianne) Hamm and Charles (Joanie Eppinga) Hamm; seven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the entire staff of the Community Living Center at the Spokane Veterans Hospital for the outstanding care, compassion and empathy David received during the last four weeks of his life. Services for David will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Toys for Tots, Second Harvest Food Bank or a charity of your choice.

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Published by Spokesman-Review on Jul. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for David HAMM

14 Entries

Marine, Joan Morse

July 15, 2019

I had the pleasure of meeting Dave & Carol on Memorial Day waaaay back. They invited me to the Marine Corps League meeting and also the Woman Marines WA2 chapter. Well, I was hook and so was my husband, Kay. We all took part in the Funeral Detail, Coffee Stops, Crain's Road Raiders (hwy 395) and many other group projects. We were all family. I miss Dave and Carol. Dave played the harmonica beautifully for the joy of others and had a wonderful tenor voice. It was also a pleasure to pair up musically with him for many special events. God has taken back Dave & Carol, but they are in the hearts of many. A photo I'm looking for is one we both took when we dedicated our spouse's Flags to the Eastern Washington Ntl Cemetery @ Medical Lake. I'm so glad Carol was assigned to his desk when we went overseas, because he came back and was rewarded with her.

Charity Hakes

August 16, 2014

Knowing David has been a blessing and I will miss him dearly!

July 28, 2014

I met Dave at Affinity. He sometimes showed up for Happy Hour, sat at the end of the bar and greeted each person with a friendly gesture. One day, he was in the hall gripping his walker and saying, "I can't take this pain." I helped him to his room, explained that I was the resident massage therapist. I worked on his hip, repositioned pillows for his comfort, and applied ice. He was grateful and warm with his response to my work. On the day he left Affinity, his daughter came to my door with a box of chocolates. Dave wanted to say thank you again, she explained to me. A gracious man suffering from wounds from the war. He touched my life and I am richer for it. Rest in peace, Dave. No more pain. Millie Hynes

Judy Pippins

July 25, 2014

So sorry for your loss! He leaves a wonderful legacy.

Norman Sanborn

July 25, 2014

Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this difficult time. May memories comfort you and bring you peace.

July 25, 2014

Thank-you Lord, for the life of David R. Hamm. Our condolences go out to the family of one of our nations heros.
Blessings from members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart chapter 470

Colene Rubertt

July 24, 2014

Dave & Carol were the first to recruit us to the Marine Corps League, at that time we were not married, but I was invited to all the gatherings, and welcomed with open arms! Such graceful people I am happy they are together again. Semper Fi

Little Nancy Hamm

July 23, 2014

I love you so deeply Uncle David, can't wait to see you all again in the Heavens of the Lord Jesus...

Nancy Hamm

July 23, 2014

I love you deeply Uncle David, I look forward to seeing you again in the Heavens of our wonderful Lord Jesus...

July 23, 2014

I am honored to be your niece.

Woman Marine Cindy Parratt Saling

July 23, 2014

So sorry for your loss. I loved Carol and Dave. They were such WONDERFUL people, always so kind and helpful. I loved the story of how you two met and how you always called Carol "your first wife". Dave you will be missed. God bless and Semper Fi.

July 23, 2014

The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extends our deepest sympathies to the family of David R. Hamm for your loss. We honor him for the service and sacrifice he has made for our nation, he is a true hero.

Dave and Carol Hamm

Woman Marine Joan Meade Morse

July 23, 2014

Dave, you taught me to "play to a singer's voice". Thank you for all the duets we performed. God Rest Your Soul and give Carol a hug for me. Semper Fi to you both

George Hilbish

July 21, 2014

The Marines and Corpsmen of the Pierce County Detachment #504 Marine Corps League, Share in Your Loss. Rest in Peace Marine, Semper Fi!

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