Donald "Don" Damon

Donald "Don" Damon, 94, of Fredonia Township passed away March 26, 2020 at his residence resting his head on a pillow that his mother had made.

Don was born July 26, 1925 in Battle Creek to William Damon and Doris (Parmelee) Damon.  Don married Margaret Boehlke April 16, 1945 in Hastings, Michigan.  Don is survived by a daughter Carol Ann Damon and three sons, Mick (Joan) Damon, Doug (Vicki) Damon and Phil (Sherrie) Damon.   Don is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and sister Wilma Salyers.  Preceding him in death were his wife Margaret (March 18, 2014), his parents, grandson David Damon (1998), and his sisters Mae Pettit and Dorothy Sage.

Don graduated from Battle Creek High School.  He held the record for highest percent of free- throws in gym class basketball for many years.  He made 48 out of 50 attempts.  He and his wife Dairy farmed for 25 years.  At the same time Don worked for the United States Department of Agriculture for 22 years and United States Postal Service for 32 years.  He served on the Fredonia Township Board of Review for 44 years.   He served on the Board of Education for the Houston School Board until it consolidated with the Marshall Public Schools. Don was a member of the Fredonia Holiness Church for the past 80 years and that is where he met his wife.

Don and his father-in-law Carl Boehlke farmed together and shared the family home. He considered "Dad Boehlke " the pillar in his life.  In Don' s childhood and teen years his desire was to be a clown, even though he never became an actual clown he was quick witted and a jokester.  Some that didn't know him well didn't know if he was serious or "clowning around,"  When the church doors were open Don was always there and the children never tried to find an excuse to miss because there were no excuses. His discipline paid off.

Don had many interests. Going to Canada fishing every year was a highlight of his life, as was going to Louisville, Kentucky for the Farm Show.  He followed the Marshall Redskin Football and Basketball Teams until this past year.  He taught many people how to process meat whether it be squirrels, chickens, deer, etc.  Until this past year he spent many days stacking wood, raking hay and selling hay.  He lost parts of two fingers in machinery accidents and was ran over by a tractor twice in his life. Don kept a diary from the time he was in high school until in his 90's. He listed the high and low temperatures every day and listed how much rainfall or snow fall for the day.  It was listed in his diary how many green beans, strawberries, or potato bugs he picked that day.   He counted everything he did.

He was very proud of his family and their accomplishments.  He would brag about his children, many times to their embarrassment.  He would say that he never had to go get any of them out of jail, none of them smoke or drink and none of them have been divorced.  Don's children will tell you their Dad was always there for them no matter the time of day or night.  He also accepted no laziness and he proved it by example.  He would always say “There's no excuse for being late.”

He was a favorite around young people because he was ready for a softball, football or basketball game. Kids would challenge him to Ping-Pong, darts, croquet, or horseshoes and he had no mercy on them. He would tell them to give it their best shot!

A graveside service will take place at 1PM on Monday, March 30, 2020 at Houston Cemetery with Pastor Bryan Fling officiating.  T he service is open to the public, but due to Covid-19 the family requests if you feel ill to please not attend.  For those that won’t be able to attend the Graveside Service it will be available on the Kempf Funeral Home website https://www.kempffuneralhome.com .

Memorial contributions are requested to the Fredonia Holiness Church (for the outdoor audio system) or to the Fredonia Township Fire Fighters Association. Please make the check payable to either charity and mail them to the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, P.O. Box 519, Marshall, MI  49068. Assistance with memorials are available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.