It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of Damon Horton's peaceful passing at home on May 14, 2025. Born on July 12, 1939, in Calvin, Oklahoma to Marion and Lillie May (Baker) Horton, Damon was a cherished member of a large family that included six brothers, four sisters, one half-brother, and two half-sisters.

Damon proudly served his country in the Marines for four years, enlisting in 1956. During his time in the service, he excelled as a crew chief on transport aircraft in Japan. Upon his return to the United States, his skills led him to a flight crew role where he worked on the F16 aircraft at El Toro Marine base in Santa Ana, California, from which he was honorably discharged in 1960.

It was during his dedicated service that Damon met and fell in love with Charlotte Webb of Okemah, Oklahoma. Their enduring love story blossomed into a marriage of 65 years, with their 66th anniversary approaching on August 6, 2025. Together, they raised two children, their daughter Denise Horton French, and their son Duane Damon Horton, who sadly preceded him in death on March 22, 2003.

Following his honorable discharge, Damon pursued further education at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, earning degrees in engineering, business management, and as a machinist, all while working full-time in a machine shop. In 1964, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Orange Turret Products in Orange, California, a successful venture focused on machining precision aircraft parts. After five years, he sold the business and returned to his beloved home state of Oklahoma with Charlotte and their two children in July of 1970.

Upon his return, Damon contributed his skills to Brooks Flame Spray in Tulsa until 1974. In July of that year, his drive and ambition culminated in the founding of Damar Manufacturing, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He dedicated himself to this thriving business from 1974 until his retirement in May of 2007.

While Damon enjoyed passions such as hunting, fishing, traveling at home and abroad, and hosting large family reunions at his residents. But, his focus was often his work. He was known as a dedicated and hardworking individual who embraced challenges and achieved his life's aspirations. These included his commitment to serving his country, his unwavering devotion to caring and providing for and loving his family, and his dedication to serving his community as an Elk’s member, Scottish Rite, 32 Degree Mason and Shriner.

With a heart full of love, we remember how Damon's devotion glowed brightest during our cherished family reunions. The love, laughter, and pure joy he helped create at those gatherings will continue to shine in our hearts for generations to come. Damon's life was a beautiful testament to service, unwavering dedication, and a profound love for those around him. He will be deeply missed by his loving family, his many dear friends, and all who were blessed to know his kind spirit.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Mary Jane Ingram, Anna Lou Dickey, Rosie Jost and Jewel Fairbanks, and his brothers Carl, Otis, Bill, Omer, Jack, Albert, and Willie Horton.

Damon's legacy of love and devotion lives on through his beloved wife Charlotte of Tulsa, his younger sister Nadine Eastman, his daughter Denise (Horton) French of Jenks, his granddaughter Athena Sturman and her husband Ric of Morris, Oklahoma, and his granddaughter Rochelle Paxton of Hartman Arkansas. He also leaves behind his cherished grandsons, Jacob Horton of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Zachary Horton of Claremore, Oklahoma, as well as his adored great-grandchildren, Briley Pembrook of Morris, Oklahoma, Ryan Pembrook of Beggs, Oklahoma, and Talia Sturman and Riddic Sturman of Morris, Oklahoma.