Richard Wayne Damme

Richard W. Damme, 82, of Sioux City passed away on Dec. 29, 2015, at a Sioux City hospital. He was the beloved husband of nine years to Norma Damme.
Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Larkin Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Richard was born on Jan. 1, 1933, in Beatrice Neb., to Oscar and Lola (Tennis) Damme. Richard graduated from Sioux City Central High School in 1950 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy to pursue a career that took him all over the world. Richard retired as a chief warrant officer 4, after serving his country honorably for 30 years during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Upon retirement, Richard settled in Annapolis, Md., and Cambridge Ohio to work as a government contractor, but eventually returned to his childhood home of Sioux City. Richard was united in marriage to Norma Sweeny on Sept. 2, 2006, in Portsmouth, N.H. They enjoyed traveling, taking numerous cruises, and visiting Europe.
Richard became an active member of the communities where he lived, volunteering his time to local charities and his church. He also served as the secretary/treasurer of the USS Cronin Association, which organized annual reunions of the Cronin crew after it was decommissioned in 1971.
In addition to his beloved wife, Norma of Sioux City, Richard is survived by his son, Paul Van Damme and his wife, Carolyn of Alexandria, Va.; his two sisters, Jade Cooney and her husband, Mike of Patriot, Ind., and Sandy Smith of Greenville, Maine; and his dear granddaughters, Katerina, Elena and Isabella Van Damme. He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who knew him.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, June M. Teel; and his adopted daughter, Ellen Damme.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church.