DERBY — Gary Paul Damm, of Derby, Kan., passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 27, 2025 at the age of 72 while on vacation in Hopkins, Belize. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Eileen Damm. He is survived by his wife Robbie; children Becky (Shane) Moeder and Vaughn (Norah) Damm; grandchildren Devin (Kenzie) Beal, Jacob (Jordan) Moeder, Magnus Moeder, Marlee Moeder, Brandon Beal, Jones Damm, Violette Damm, Milo Damm and Lillian Damm; great-granddaughter Brooks Beal; a second great-granddaughter, Ruby Moeder, is expected this spring; and siblings Larry Damm, Jeanne McDonald, Aleta (Steve) Ehrlich, Janice Rousselot, Jerry Damm and Rita (Bruce) Pinkall.
Gary was born on July 12, 1952 in Great Bend, Kan. He earned a degree from the University of Kansas, School of Pharmacy in 1975. Gary had a very strong work ethic, and in 1978 he and business partner Reed Edgington started their own business, Pharmacon Drug, and established multiple Damm Pharmacy locations in Wichita, Derby, Rose Hill, Mulvane and Andover, Kan. He continued to serve his community for over 42 years before retiring in 2020.
Gary married his high school sweetheart, Robbie, on July 14, 1973. They started their family with the birth of Becky in 1976 and Vaughn in 1979, and he remained a loving dad, grandpa and great-grandpa until his death. He was affectionately known to his grandchildren, and many others, as “Taco.” He filled his family’s lives with love, laughs and joy. Gary was an adventurer and story-teller, and always filled the room with laughter and a sense of wonder. He loved music, and was a talented drummer and guitarist, sharing his music with those lucky enough to be nearby when he sat at his trap-set or picked up his guitar and played. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A gathering and celebration of his life will be held at The Pavilion at Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Avenue, on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. In honor of Gary, contributions to the Gary Damm Memorial Fund can be made to the Derby Community Foundation, 946 N. Buckner St, Derby, KS 67037.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 18, 2025
