Duan Damron

1949 - 2024

Duan Damron

December 18, 1949 – August 8, 2024

JANESVILLE - Duan Damron, 74, Janesville, WI, died of a heart attack on August 8, 2024, while vacationing with his family. He was born in Bloomington, IN, to Clarence Frazier Damron and Laura (Murphy) Damron.

A former Madison resident, he attended Shorewood Elementary School and Central High School. He graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Geology and Physical Education, and a Master's Degree from UW-Whitewater in Professional Development. In college, he was a member of the Theta Delta Chi Fraternity, the UW Football Team, UW Cheerleading Squad, Hoofers Sailing and Ski Club, and won the University's first Decathlon Super Star Competition.

Duan loved life, exuding happiness and generosity to all, enthusiastically saying, "Any Day is a Good Day!" But - he relished most - the times he spent with his sons and grandsons. He adored his family, friends, students, teaching and coaching. He especially enjoyed his winter golf trips to Gulf Shores, plus fishing, RV camping, hunting, working on his farm, golfing, pickleball and playing cards with fellow teachers. He was a member of the Wolf River Tent and Fishing Club and his Canadian Fishing Club for over 40 years.

Born to teach, he loved his job and all his students. He began his career in Janesville in 1975 at Craig High School, then Franklin and Edison Middle Schools, retiring in 2006.

He was most proud of his work expanding the sport of soccer in Janesville. He was a driving force behind establishing Craig's H.S. Varsity Soccer program for boys and girls. He was a founding member of the Janesville United Soccer Club, worked with the city to develop the large soccer complex, and was one of approximately one dozen families and businesses who helped fund the soccer fields.

Duan first played soccer in 1969 when he was unexpectedly asked to play goalie for the Madison 56ers Soccer Club. Five years later, he was named Goalkeeper of the Year by the All-Capital Division. When he moved to Janesville in 1975, he helped grow the Janesville-Saxers United Soccer Club. By 1979 he was named the Wisconsin Soccer Association's First Team Sweeper.

In 1979, he helped form two more clubs: the Craig Boys Soccer Club and the Janesville Youth Soccer League. Sponsored by the Janesville Breakfast Optimist Club and the city's Recreation Department, the League attracted 250 children its first year.

By 1981, the Craig Boys Varsity Soccer Team was recognized and Duan was named Head Coach for 25 years. For 15 of those years, his teams finished in the top four of the Big Eight Conference, and in 2006 the team made the WIAA Division 1 State Semi-Finals; 1991 was a busy year. The Craig Girls Varsity Soccer Team was formed, with Duan serving 15 years as Assistant Head Coach, and another 18 years coaching the JV and Freshman teams. Additionally in 1991, he assisted the Janesville YMCA start a summer youth soccer program, and the Janesville Racquet Club start a winter indoor soccer program.

In 1993, he was a founding member of the Janesville United Soccer Club acting as its Head Coach for many years, in addition to offering coaching clinics for parents and camps for players.

By 1995, he was coaching one of two Wisconsin High School Boys All Star Soccer Teams, in addition to becoming active in the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association (WSCA), representing 300 college, high school and youth soccer teams. He was asked to join the WSCA's Board, served two years as President, reviving and expanding the organization's professional development actives.

Duan is survived by his loving wife, Victoria (Emery)Damron; sons: Dack Emery (Kelly (Blanke)) Damron of New Glarus and Duke Murphy Damron of Janesville; grandsons: Daxon Damron and Devin Damron; sisters: D'Lynn Prins, Darie (Jerry) Becknell, Daloha (Randy) Burchell, sister-in-law, Susan Emery; and brother and sister-in-law, John R. (Ann (Pink)) Emery; nephews: Payton Prins, Parker Prins, Brace Becknell, Jack Emery, Peter Emery, Valarie (Emery) Baumann and niece Brina Becknell. He is preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the family will be used to support Craig High School Soccer Teams.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Cargill United Methodist Church, Janesville. A celebration of life will follow the service from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. at Rotary Gardens, Janesville. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family.

For online condolences and guestbook, please visit www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.