William 'Bing' Conrad Ramm

William (Bing) Ramm, 88, of Tacoma, Wash., and a former longtime Soap Lake resident and businessman, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, in Tacoma, Wash.

Bing Ramm grew up in Central Washington. Following three years of Army service overseas, Bing returned home a decorated World War II veteran, earning a Bronze Star, a Distinguished Service Medal and achieving the rank of master sergeant. This past fall, Bing and his daughter Carol traveled to Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Honor Flight organization to view the WWII memorial. Bing was honored along with other veterans for his service to our country.

Bing met his wife Jennie in Spokane in 1945, where she worked as a railway company clerk. They were married on Dec. 22, 1945. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Soap Lake, where they raised their four children. Bing started a successful oil business in Soap Lake and Ephrata, which became Inland Oil and Propane. Bing retired in 1982 and the business was purchased by his son, Gerry. During their retirement, Bing and Jennie enjoyed RV-ing. They wintered in Yuma, Ariz., for 20 years with many of their closest friends. Bing and Jennie moved to Tacoma in June of 2007, where they have resided at Franke Tobey Jones to be near their daughter, Carol.

Bing was an active citizen in the Soap Lake community. He served as a volunteer fireman, member of the Lion’s Club and Masons, was a Shriner and an avid Eagle Booster. Bing was a leader at Faith Lutheran Church for many years.

Bing is survived by his beloved wife Jennie along with his sister Evelyn; daughter and son-in-law Carla and Mario and their children, Jennifer and Kristin; daughter and son-in-law Dena and Dick and their son, Nathaniel; daughter and son-in-law Carol and Rob and their children, Jonathan and Tyler; son Gerry and his children, Jessica, Adrienne and Deonne.

Bing’s engaging smile and his twinkling blue eyes will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Due to Bing’s daughter Carla working out of the country, a memorial service will be held on Sept. 12, in Soap Lake. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, please donate to Franciscan Hospice, PO Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401.