Richard Henry Daum
May 11, 1935 - February 24, 2018
Richard Daum passed away on 24 Feb. 2018, age 82, surrounded by
family and friends in his home in Hemet, California. Richard was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on May
11, 1935. Growing up he could be found working at the family business, Daum’s
Pharmacy or involved in various youth sports. He eventually found his best
sport to be swimming which he continued through High School where he was a
Wisconsin State High School Champion in 3 events. More important while on the
swim team he met Kay Keckler whom he married on May 5, 1956. In 1958 son, Michael, was born and in 1959 son,
Charles, was born.
In June 1953 Richard joined the U.S.M.C serving 4 years with his
most memorable duty assignment being the one year living in Pearl Harbor,
Hawaii. Following his discharge he
worked for Bell Telephone and bought a small farm back in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
In 1966, after great effort, Richard was successfully activated from the Marine
Corps Reserve and spent 13 months in Vietnam. In January 1968, the farm was sold and the
family began Marine Corps life once again.
Over the years his duty assignments included: Quantico, Virginia;
Iwakuni, Japan (3 times); 29 Palms, California (2 times); Camp LeJuene, North
Carolina; and Camp Pendeton, California. In 1984 Richard retired from Marine
Corps active duty and started a second career as a Communication Cable
Installation Supervisor until he retired for the second time in 1997. In 1994 Richard and Kay moved to Hemet,
California.
While his sons lived at home Richard kept busy attending their
sporting events and coaching the 29 Palms City swim team with Kay. In 1982 Richard became a member of the Vista
Elks Lodge, purchased his first motorhome and joined their RV camping group,
The Grasshoppers. Over the next 35 years RV camping with the Grass Hoppers and
on their own became the focal point of his recreation. His trips across the
country and to Alaska brought many good times.
On many occasions they brought the Grand Kids along which provided a
lifetime of happy memories.
Richard Daum is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kay, his
son, Michael and wife Misako, 2 Granddaughters, Chaz (Clayton) and Cassidy, and
Grandsons, Cary and Colton. Richard was preceded in death by his son, Charlie.
Graveside service will be 10:45 am on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA.
