Earl “Dean” Damron

Former Rochester resident, Mr. Earl “Dean” Damron, 73, currently of North Manchester, passed away at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.

On Oct. 15, 1947, Dean was born in Rochester to Carl and Rachel Bumgardner Damron. He shared his childhood with a brother, Rodney. After high school, patriotism beckoned, with Dean answering the call, serving with the United States Army in Nuremberg, Germany. Following his stint of service, he was honorably discharged known officially as Spec. 4 Earl Dean Damron. Even though Dean was addressed by his best friends and family as Dean he reserved his first name “Earl,” as his business name.

In Springfield, Tenn., Dean married the love of his life, Paula Bonewitz on July 6, 1973. They have shared 48 years of life’s adventures. From their union came four wonderful children: Beth, Eric, Harold and Chris. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations!

Growing up he acquired an interest in mules and horses, specifically Appaloosas. He had an authentic Indian costume, that he wore riding his Appaloosa known as “Dixie,” as a Native American in area parades.

With a strong work ethic, Dean worked for many years at Rochester Metal Products. His memberships include the American Legion, V.F.W., ABATE, and Moose of North Manchester. He socialized with friends at Putt’s and the Moose.

Gifted with his hands, Dean was an accomplished woodworker. He loved welding and fabricating special projects for himself and his family. In his early years, as a mechanic he did engine work, once placing the engine in a closet. Dean was a huge NASCAR fan and the proud owner of a unique collection of NASCAR die cast cars. His love of die-cast expanded and he acquired several other special die-cast to scale vehicles.

With a passion for the freedom of riding his cycle, Dean and Paula enjoyed many road trips on the 1996 Maroon Harley-Davidson Sportster. They took many day trips around northern Indiana and special trips to Tennessee. Dean was currently invested in a project to modify the golf cart for cruising the streets of North Manchester with Paula.

As the patriarch of the Damron family, Papa Dean was proud to oversee four generations. He looked forward to the holidays and special family celebrations. His greatest attribute was his kindness. Papa Dean treasured the closeness of his family.

Left to cherish Dean’s memory are his wife, Paula; daughter, Beth Starkweather and husband Keith of South Whitley; two sons: Eric Damron and wife Lori of Rochester, Chris Damron and wife Missy of North Manchester; eight grandchildren: Erin Starkweather, Jillian Starkweather, Morgan Hite, Alexis (Alex) Hale, Josiah Damron, Madi Damron, Sarah Damron, Courtney Jones and husband Aaron; numerous great-grandchildren; brother, Rodney E. Damron of Illinois; and several nieces and nephews, cousins and aunts and uncles.

Preceding Dean in death are his parents, Carl and Rachel Damron; son, Harold Damron on October 31, 2002 ;and brother, Paul Junior Eytcheson, June 21, 1968.

A celebration of the life of Earl Dean Damron will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 18, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Terry Baldwin will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from noon to 2 p.m. in the funeral home on Sunday. Military Honors will be accorded by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the US Army Honors Team. Burial will follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.