Ivan M. Damon, Jr., age 92 of Conneaut, died peacefully Sunday afternoon, March 22, 2015 following a brief illness at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home with his loving family at his side.

Ivan was born on September 13, 1922 in Conneaut, Ohio the son of Ivan M Sr., and Bessie Tilson Damon. Following the death of his father at the age of 17, Ivan enlisted in the Unites States Navy in 1942. He served two years in New Guinea as a dock master until he was honorably discharged in the fall of 1945. While on leave, Ivan married the love of his life, Christine Bricker on August 20, 1943 at her parents' home on Sherman St.

He returned to Conneaut and worked at the former Nickle Plate Railroad as a pipe fitter. Ivan retired from RMI Metals following 29 years of service working as a millwright in the maintenance department. During those 29 years, Ivan only missed one day of work.

Ivan was a member of the New Leaf United Methodist Church, formerly Lakeview United Methodist Church. He was instrumental in the initial purchase of the Lakeview United Methodist Church and construction of the parking lot. Ivan played baseball in the church league and fast pitch league. He coached the little league Tigers to a championship in the former City Series Championship at the old General Electric Ball field. Ivan was also a Registered Official for the Ohio High School Athletic Association and refereed many basketball games throughout the State of Ohio.

Ivan would travel with his wife Christine on many bus trips and long car rides. They also loved to vacation at their family cabin in Betula, Pa., with the friends and family. Ivan had a very strong work ethic and always put his family first and foremost in his life.

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Christine Bricker Damon (September 8, 2006), brother-in-law Bob Nimelli, sister Dolores Nimelli and nephew Thomas Nimelli.

He is survived by two sons, James and Cindy Damon of Conneaut, John and Barb Damon of Conneaut, a daughter Joanne and Ron Williams of Conneaut, grandchildren, Heather and Dennis Newhart of Conneaut, Heather Damon and Tracy Kangas of Conneaut, Erich Williams of Columbus, Ian Williams of Conneaut, Alex Williams of Dayton, Oh, great-grandchildren, Christopher Chamberlin, Myers Damon Newhart, Isaac Lee Kangas, Marina Lillian Kangas and Banyon Newhart on the way this July.

Calling hours will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St, Conneaut, with Pastor Jan Walsh of New Leaf United Methodist Church officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Route 20, Conneaut, Ohio, where the American Legion Cowle Post 151 Honor Squad will conduct full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, or the charity of one's choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Staff of the Ashtabula County Nursing Home and the Hospice of the Western Reserve for the care and compassion given to Ivan during his illness.

Service Date: March 25, 2015

Calling hours from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2015

 Service Information