Paul S. Damron

Paul Stanley Damron was born July 16, 1932 near Hartford, Kansas. His parents were Thomas Lolan Damron and Louella Brazell Damron. They lived on a farm near Hartford, then later near Burlington. The Great Depression made farm life difficult, and it became necessary to relocate to Oklahoma and be closer to family. In 1939, the family moved to a farm near Idabel, Oklahoma.

During this time of the Great Depression and World War II, Paul helped on the family farm. They raised cotton in bottom land near the Red River. Paul enjoyed life outdoors, fishing and hunting.  Once when Paul was a teenager, the fair was held in the summer. One of the exhibits involved a bucking mule. A person could pay an amount to ride and not get bucked off, and if they stayed on, they received five dollars. When asked if he managed to stay on, Paul said “You bet, I needed the money.”

For his senior year of high school, Paul moved back to Burlington and lived with his older brother Alton.  Paul eventually started working for the funeral home of Walter Mann, and this inspired his chosen profession of becoming a funeral director. Paul attended Emporia State College, then the Kansas City Mortuary School where he received an associate degree in mortuary science.  Paul was a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He also served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict, departing with an honorable discharge with the rank of corporal.

Paul met the love of his life, Janice Lee Nangle, while in Burlington. Their first date was the movie “No Time for Sergeants.”  They married June 14, 1959.  Their union produced six children: Dana (LeAnn) of Anchorage, AK; Whitney (Kathy) of Topeka, KS; Drew (Jan) Pocatello, ID; Spencer (Kelly) of Phoenix, AZ; Marisa (Reid) of KC, KS; and Kelsey (Christina), also of Topeka, and  numerous grandchildren.

After marriage, Paul and Janice remained in Burlington, owning and operating Damron Funeral Home purchased from Walter Mann, and an ambulance service. To help make ends meet, Paul also had a furniture store in downtown Burlington.  In 1970, the family relocated to Ottawa, Kansas. Paul purchased the Joe Towner Funeral Home and a local cemetery.  The funeral home was renamed Damron-Towner Funeral Home and Ambulance Service. He also had a funeral home in Moran, Kansas during this time. In 1976, the family moved to Pocatello, Idaho as Paul purchased the Manning Funeral Home and Restlawn Cemetery. He later established a funeral home in Missoula, Montana.  The Pocatello funeral home was continued until 1982, when Paul and Janice relocated to Arizona and operated funeral homes in the Miami-Globe area.  Upon retirement, Paul and Janice returned to Kansas and have lived in Topeka for the past twenty years.

Paul is survived by his wife Janice and all of their children. In addition, he is survived by his brother John Damron of Irving, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Clyde and Alton, and his sister Donna Kay Damron Morris.

If anyone was a friend to Paul, they knew very well of his love for fishing, whether on the John Redmond Reservoir near Burlington for catfish, in the mountains of Idaho for trout, or salmon fishing on the Oregon coast. He also had a passion for bridge and dominos.  He had many entertaining stories from forty years in the funeral business and enjoyed reminiscing with friends and family.  For many years, he was active in organizations such as the Masonic Lodge where he was a 60-year member of Lodge No. 66 of the A.F. & A.M. of Burlington, Shrine, Elks Lodge and Rotary Club.

As a funeral director, Paul was genuinely compassionate and beloved by many over the years. As a father and husband, he leaves a wonderful legacy who cherish the family name.

Due to public health concerns related to the Coronavirus pandemic, a private graveside dedication will be held at the Graceland Cemetery in Burlington, Kansas in a family plot.  No formal services are planned.  The family requests no flowers but suggests memorial contributions be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission in care of Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 North Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66608 for those so inclined.  Times are difficult for everyone.  Be safe and be kind.  davidsonfuneral.com