Marcus Charles Damon

Marcus Charles Damon died peacefully on December 16th, 2021 at the age of 62 with his two children by his side. His funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 at Resurrection Catholic Church at 10:00 AM.

Marcus was born in Nuremberg, Germany on July 27th, 1959 to his German mother Gerlinde and Navajo father George. He was very proud of his unique mix of German and Native American heritage. He grew up an Army brat, following his father who proudly served our country as an Army Policeman. The family lived in Germany, North Carolina, Oklahoma, New Mexico, until finally landing in Mesa, Arizona, just in time to start his junior year of high school. He was a graduate of Mesa High School class of 1977.

He was a naturally gifted athlete. At 6’ 4” and solid muscle he was a football coaches dream. He played football at Mesa High, Mesa Community College, and finally earned a position at the division 1 level at Texas Christian University. His love for the game of football never ceased!

After graduating from TCU with a bachelor's degree in marketing in 1981, he moved to Fresno, California. While working at his first job in Fresno he met the mother of his children, Nicolyn DiLiddo. They were married in 1985 and welcomed their daughter Renna, in March of 1988, and their son Michael, in September of 1991. Although the marriage did not last, Marcus remained in Fresno to be near his children, who were his pride and joy. He made sure he was there for all the important moments in their lives.

In 2003 his children moved to Italy, following their stepfather who was in the Navy. Although his children were far away, Marcus called as often as possible. One thing about Marcus was that he NEVER missed the big moments, regardless of distance. He made the trip to Italy to watch Renna graduate from high school.

Marcus was a natural artist. He mastered pencils and oils at a very young age and has several works of art still hanging in his family home in Mesa, AZ. While his children were overseas, he started working as a brick mason, where his God given artistic abilities were easily channeled through the medium of brick and mortar. Several of his masonry masterpieces live on from California to Texas.

In 2006 his children returned to the U.S. and settled in Corpus Christi, Texas. His son started high school in a state where football is a second religion. In true Marcus fashion, he dropped everything in Fresno and moved to Corpus Christi. He wasn’t going to miss watching his only son play Texas football!

He quickly got involved in his local Catholic parish. He taught RCIA and CCD classes; and lead several bible studies. He never lost the desire to learn the bible and proclaim God’s word. For a short time, he was even decerning becoming an ordained Catholic Deacon. His faith was his greatest motivation. The ministry that he will be remembered for most, was his service to the less fortunate. He would lead bible studies and group meetings at the local jail. He would take men from jail, men with whom most people would not be comfortable, and bring them to church on Sunday’s, because he understood that knowing Jesus and receiving his eucharist was exactly the healing they needed. He treated them the way he would want to be treated, with dignity and respect. He led many people to God, to sobriety, and to a brighter future had it not been for his unconditional love and support. A man of great faith whose only goal was to sit at the feet of God and hear him say, “Well done my good and faithful servant”.

He returned to Mesa, Arizona, where he lived the final years of his life, caring for his mother and brother. He traveled back to Texas as often as possible, especially to see his three grandchildren get baptized or celebrate holidays with them. He loved nothing more than being their “Opa”.

Marcus is preceded in death by his father George Damon and brother Michael. He is survived by his Mother Gerlinde Damon; Daughter Renna Bockholt (Clay) and grandchildren Brooks, Kennly, and Fallon Bockholt; his son Michael Damon; and brothers Steven and Andrew Damon.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Damon family.