Henry Eugene Damon (Gene)

Henry Eugene Damon (Gene) 92, of Meridian, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 31, 2019 at his residence.
A celebration of life service for Gene will be held on Monday, February 4th beginning at 10:30 am at The Episcopal Church of The Mediator in Meridian, Mississippi with Fr. Morris Thompson officiating. Internment will follow in the Columbarium. A reception celebrating the life of Gene will be held in the Parish Hall following the services.
Mr. Damon is survived by his wife of over 68 years, Wilhelmine Streater Tew Damon; children, Sarah Neville Damon Darsey, Wilhelmine Tew Damon Williams (Joel), Ann Amelia Damon Haas (Troy); grandchildren, Damon Darsey (Mary Ann), Reed Darsey (Rhae), Amelia Haas Parsons (Conner), Cottrell Haas, Reynolds Williams, Margaret Haas, Franklin Williams; great-grandchildren, Allen Darsey, Robert Darsey, Edward Darsey, Helen Darsey, Emily Darsey, and Finn Darsey. He loved and supported each and every one. In addition, Gene leaves behind a host of extended family members and friends who loved him dearly. Mr. Damon is preceded in death by his parents Henry Eugene Damon and Em Neville Cochran Damon Coons.
Gene was truly a Renaissance man, a person of many talents and areas of interest. His life was characterized by commitments to education, his profession, his community and most of all his family. Gene was born and raised in Meridian. He graduated from Meridian High School; received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and Masters in Business Administration from Mississippi State University. He believed in and practiced life-long learning and continued to take on new intellectual challenges his whole life.
Gene’s profession was Consulting Civil Engineering. He founded and managed AES, Ltd for more than 50 years and Poling Home Inspections for over thirteen years. He served as a professional mentor and “rock” to many employees and colleagues along the way. He always guided in a low profile but profound way as he personified honesty and integrity. He spoke volumes with very few words.
Commitment to community and the world around him was apparent early on through his military service. He served over 19 years post World War II, during the Korean Conflict and later in the U S Army Reserve. Gene was a pioneer in developing the two-party political system in Mississippi and was involved in the Committee of Conscience in the 1960’s whose mission was to improve race relations and social injustice. He was a long time Rotarian, enjoying lunch with the fellow members the day before his death. Gene was a founding member of the Episcopal Church of the Mediator and would participate in services from the second pew on the left. Gene was always ready to talk about things that mattered in a way that made sense and reflected kindness and faith. As music was always a part of his life, he played the saxophone and later the clarinet. He enjoyed big band music and concerts at every opportunity and was a stalwart member of the Community Band. He was preparing for a concert this upcoming May.
“Gene and Wilhelmine” is almost a one-word phrase. They were an iconic couple exhibiting love, faithfulness and commitment for over 62 years. They “dated” until the end and were observed recently entering the church holding each other’s hand. On the dance floor, he could be seen as the “maypole” with a firm lead while Wilhelmine flea hopped around him. Each grandchild has a cherished memories of Gene wading in the water at the beach holding any given baby-each of them in turn over the years, always so tender and steady. Gene exhibited agape love and support for his family. Each member felt it and knew it. He will be greatly missed.
The family request memorials be made to The Episcopal Church of The Mediator in lieu of flowers.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com