I am sad to learn that Mr. Stakes is no longer walking in this world. I met him for the first time in 1977 when I took his Political Science class at Tri C. Quickly, I realized he was a rare gem - a gifted teacher who had the ability to ignite the soul of a student. His talent for helping students "get it" kept me coming back to his classes - whatever he taught - and like so many other students, I never found a better educator despite going on to higher education. Oh how I loved him. The world's loss is heaven's gain. Rest well Mr. Stakes. To his family, my deepest sympathy. As much of a treasure as he was for his many students, he must have left a great quake in your lives at his leaving. I wish I could be more articulate but I'm sad to learn that he is gone. A man of greatness? Absolutely. With much love, Kerrin Smith Churchill

I had the priviledge of having Mr. Stakes as my freshman history professor at CCC in 1975; classes were still being taught in the wings of the old Crile Hospital. He was the FIRST college professor I would see in my 4 year college career, and, incredibly, I would never experience a more gifted and memorable educator again in my life. I went on to enjoy a career as an entertainer, and I would always remember the way Mr. Stakes would captivate an audience of students with his enthusiasm and remarkable ability to communicate in the most interesting fashion. I always felt that if you bring passion to the subject matter, it will be absorbed with eager and open minds. I did that with music; I learned it from a master! I only wished I would have had the opportunity to tell him what an influence he had on my life and career, and I wished he would have been in MY audience just ONE time to see what he taught me! Rest in Peace Mr. Stakes. You truly were the standard by which all educators should strive...

I had the privelage of having Mr. Stakes as a teacher at Cuyahoga Community College.  He inspired me to become a teacher 35 years ago and I will be forever grateful!

I was very sad to learn today of the passing of Mr. Stakes. He was my history professor at CCC in 1974. I eventually earned a masters degree, but never again encountered another instructor who demonstrated as much enthusiasm for a subject. I remember his "5 minute battles," his "multiple choice tests,"and his powerful delivery of the "Cross of Gold" speech! Fun memories of days gone by.... My sincere sympathy is sent to his family and close friends.

Just heard the sad news.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I have such fond and vivid memories of all of us growing up.  
Joanne Stakes (cousin), Independence, OH

Just as I reach my retirement the end of this month, I received this news from a former student.  I worked with Damon as one of my counterparts (I am Metro--history).  His approach to life will be missed.

When we taught together at CCC, we had wonderful discussions and great chess games. You will be deeply missed.

When we found out, we immediately thought back to our childhood memories of Damon, for he and Marie live just of couple houses away. We had become great friends with his grand-children at early ages and we grew up with them as they visited them. I'll always remember swimming in their beautiful, peaceful sanctuary of a back patio, and he would sit on the deck, watching over us, making sure we were out of harm's way. He even made us go through a swimming trial before we could go into the deep end of the pool, as a safety pre-caution. It was a sign of how caring of man he truly was, and he will be greatly missed by us.  Him and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Please accept my deepest sympathies. Damon was one of the best professors from my early days at Tri-c in the 1980's. He was a great person and made history very interesting and fun to learn. Damon helped spark my love of history that I still persue today.
Thank you Professor Damon.

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Damon. He was loved by many and his death will cause deep pain. May God bless you all.
I have wonderful memories of our childhood. We made several trips each year to visit my mother's Ohio family. Damon's father Herb was my mother's brother. Damon and I were close and spent several summers at each other's home.
At our rural home in New York, hiking, hunting, fishing, climbing trees and exploring the many hills and farms in the area kept us plenty busy. We were only inside during meal times.
At his suburban home we biked and spent time with his many friends.
I last saw Damon in 1989 which I believe was his last visit to New York.
He had a great sense of humor and was very intelligent.
Special thoughts and prayers are sent to his siblings, Claudia and Sharon. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Bruce XO

My condolences to the family of Damon Stakes.  
Mr. Stakes was my professor at Tri-C in the 1980s and he made quite an impression with me.  I obtained my BA in Political Science and am now a practicing attorney.  I will forever have fond memories of my Political Science and history classes at Tri-C and of challenging chess games.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Dr. Cordrick & Staff

My grandfather was a very unique man, a man of true generosity, honesty and a great love for nature and wildlife. You will be missed, and the memory of you will forever be imprinted on our hearts. I love you grandpa, I will always cherish the times we spent together, there will not be a day that goes by that i will not think of you.

Damon, I will always remember the great times we had in high school. I will pray for you and your family.  Rich Cooke (Ashland)

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one's gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, far as long as there is memory, they'll live on in the heart.    

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new 
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too, 
I think of you in silence I often speak your name 
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame 
Your memory is my keepsake with which will never part 
God has you in His keeping and I have you in my heart.

Your loving daughter Candice........

Black Friday will always have a different meaning to our family with Damon gone.  There will always be an emptiness. Thankfully, Damon's presence will still be felt through our memories and love.  He will never be forgotten.

Damon was my best friend for many years.  I'll never forget the good times we had together at Tri-C.  I'll especially remember the times we had camping with family.  Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for Marie and your family.  You were one of a kind, Damon, and I will always cherish the many wonderful times we spent together.

Dawn and family... May your memories live on in your hearts and my prayers are with you all! God bless!   Love you dawn

You will never be forgotten and will be forever missed and loved.


Just as we lose sight of the sun during a storm, so we lose sight of our strength during life's storms. But strength, like the sun, is only made visible once the thunder of doubt has quieted, the gales of chaos have calmed, and the torrent of tears have dried. ~ Our inner strength: Just because we can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there.

You will always be in our hearts, love you dad....Candice

The heart is like a clock that tics off the time. Every beat takes it forward, never going back. If you try and push its hands backwards to a previous point in time, where life was much more happy and love made it chime, the heart will surely break and never run again.

LOVE Marie

OBITUARY

Damon Stakes

May 13, 1947 – November 25, 2011

Craciun Funeral Home

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