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Gerard Edmond ”Van” Van Hamme
01/28/1912 — 07/08/2006
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Bassevelde, Belgium
Gerard Edmond ”Van” Van Hamme
Gerard Edmond ''Van'' Van Hamme was born in Bassevelde, Belgium on January 28, 1912, the son of Julius and Emma de Pauw Van Hamme. He moved to the United States with his family when he was a child and lived in Ohio for 12 years before World War II. He joined the Army Air Corps, volunteering in 1942. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 462nd Bombardment Squadron and served until the end of the war.
While in the service he met his future wife, Doris Sams, in Casper, Wyoming. They married in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska in 1943. They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
He retired from the U.S. Civil Service in 1972, having worked as the Superintendent of Mail at the U. S. Post Office in Richland.
He and his wife enjoyed traveling. They took a combined 110 trips, tours, and cruises, through 115 different foreign countries, on 72 different airlines. Over the course, they traveled approximately 800,000 miles. He visited 600 foreign cities, was airborne over 700 times, and flew, in actual air miles, the equivalent of 40 times around the world.
He enjoyed his hobbies of photography and drawing personalized greeting cards for family and friends.
He was a long time member of First Baptist Church, Richland, and served as church treasurer.
He is survived by his wife, Doris; his daughter Venita and husband, Richard Brown; his sons, Wayne and wife, April; Jerry and wife, Tana; his granddaughters Erica Brown, Katie Van Hamme, Heather and husband Sean Stolberg; his grandsons Joel Van Hamme and wife, Lisa; and Alex Van Hamme.
Visitation will be at Einans Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday.
Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2006, in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorial services will follow at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, 1107 Wright Ave. Richland, WA.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Liberty Christian School, First Baptist Church, Richland, Washington.
I am sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Van Hamme. What a kind man. A vivid memory of his kindness was when he came to the Kadlec Hospital in 1965 to take pictures of my baby son who would live only a few days. We would not have had a picture if it were not for his thoughtfulness to come take the pictures. God bless your family as you remember and celebrate his life; yes, and as they are celebrating his appearance in heaven now.
Our deepest sympathy. Love and prayers, Ivamarie Edens
I was a neighbor across the backyard fence from Van and Doris back in 1977 and my mother lives there now. Van seemed to always have a sweet smile to share, a man of God, a man proud of his family, always talking of his children’s accomplishments and his travels he did with Doris. I will cherish the hand made birthday cards and Christmas cards that Van made and sent to me each year. I have kept them all. My prayers are with Doris and the whole family.
Dear Van Hamme family… Was saddened to know of Mr. Van Hamme’s passing. He was a kind man and always had a smile and kind word. My parents thought so much of him and Doris. Howard and Bea Cook spoke fondly of him and that they were baptised and joined The First Baptist church at the same time. That was a special bond for them. My husband and I would see him out shopping with Doris and he always was so friendly. He will be missed but he is with the Lord and celebrating with a new body in heaven. Wayne, it has been along time since we were in “youth group” together!!! I know you will miss your dad. Our prayers and love go out to you and your family. Love Janis Cook Tames and Nat Tames
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Gerard Edmond ”Van” Van Hamme