Francis William ‘Bill’ Damm

MILES CITY — Francis William “Bill” Damm, was born in Miles City, on March 9, 1923, the son of Edward H. and Mildred (Braun) Damm.  He spent his early years on the family homestead on Pumpkin Creek. He went to country school at the Monte schoolhouse, attended Washington School and Custer County High School.

He was drafted into the United States Army on Nov. 15, 1944, and served in the 36th and 3rd Infantry Division during World War II in the European Theatre. While in the service he served as a military policemen. He was honorably discharged on April 7, 1947. Following his discharge, he returned to Miles City and worked on the family ranch. He later worked at the Eagles T. Bar Club for three years.

Bill met and courted a lovely young lady named Mary Ann Kosobud, and on Nov. 10, 1949, they were married in Miles City. From this union came their children Audrey, Doug, Joan and Kathy. Bill and MaryAnn were married for 33 year before MaryAnn passed away in 1982.

In 1954, Bill went to work for Sheriff Newt Perkins as a Deputy Sheriff and served for 12 years. In 1965, Bill was elected Sheriff of Custer County, a position he held until his retirement in 1985 at the age of 62. Bill was elected for five terms and was always grateful for the overwhelming support he received from the citizens of Custer County. While serving as Sheriff, Bill was the Secretary/Treasurer for the Montana Sheriff Peace Officers Association. for 19 years. He attended numerous law enforcement academies including the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. Bill was also responsible for the founding of the Custer County Search and Rescue Posse.  

Upon Bill’s retirement from law enforcement, he focused his life on the outdoors and the passions he loved. He was instrumental in being a Wagon Train organizer and wagon master. He was a yearly participant in the Custer Battle reenactment until an accident slowed him down at the age of 79. The following year he was back in the saddle leading the Miles City Bucking Horse Parade. Bill also enjoyed being an avid hunter and fisherman and helping his friends during the branding season.

Bill was a lifetime member of the VFW, D.A.V, F.O.E., Elks and was a member of the Range Riders and VFW Post 1579. He was the longest card carrying member of the Eagles Club. 

Bill is survived by his children:  Audrey (Dan) Goyette of Great Falls; Doug (LuAnn) Damm of Cheboygan, Mich.; Joan (Chelsey) Smith Jr. of Litchfield Park, Ariz.; and Kathy Damm Lawrence of  Surprise, Ariz.; two sisters:  Ruby Mann of Billings; and Ruth Iholts of Mapleton, Ore.; seven grandchildren, Mark Goyette, Melanie Goyette, Ryan Damm, Danielle Smith Kimel, Josh Damm, Chelcey Smith III, Hannah Lawrence;  a great grandchild, Taylor Goyette; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary Ann; and brother, Robert Damm.

Visitation will be held at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 3, with the family to receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a sharing of memories at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 4,  at 1 p.m. the Assembly of God Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Range Riders Museum or the charity of one’s choice.

(Obituary as it appeared in Billings Gazette - February 1, 2010)

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