Damon Keith Harlan

Damon Keith Harlan, 79, of Somerville, Texas, passed away at his home on Friday, January 19, 2024.

Damon was born February 5, 1944, in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, the second son of Kenneth and Effie (Propes) Harlan.

Damon’s early life was spent in Monroe County, Kentucky.

When he was nine, the family relocated to Gaston, Indiana.

Damon’s memories and love for Kentucky never left him.

Damon attended Gaston High School.

He left school early and joined the United States Army. He spent time at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, Ft. Hood, Texas, Fort Hamilton, New York, and Germany. Though he never saw combat, he is considered a Vietnam-Era veteran, a title he wore with pride.

After his separation from the Army in 1964, Damon married Nancie Lahee on February 5, 1965.

They made their home in Delaware County, Indiana.

In October of 1966, they welcomed their only child, Mendee.

After a short stint in Wisconsin, the family moved back to Indiana where Damon held many jobs including warehouse work, building construction, and road construction.

In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing.

In the 1980s, Damon relocated to the Gulf Coast to work in the booming oil industry. He worked on off-shore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. He had many duties, but he especially loved cooking for the crew.

His work eventually led him to Texas, his home for the rest of his life. His love of the Lone Star State equaled that of his love for Kentucky.

His last career as a crosscountry truck driver was one that he truly enjoyed. He traveled the United States and until his death was a walking atlas, knowing routes and road numbers with a memory that would rival any GPS!

Due to health issues, Damon left the road and settled in Somerville, Texas, where he lived until his passing.

In the small community of Somerville, Damon found friends who became family and added great joy and quality to his final years.

He enjoyed gardening, reading and watching westerns, and tending to his birds and his dogs. He was always ready for a cup of coffee and a good conversation.

Damon spent a great deal of time on his Ham radio and was a licensed Ham operator; he truly enjoyed communicating with folks all over the USA and beyond.

His greatest joy, however, was his grandchildren and his great-grandson. Papa Damon was always good for candy, a Sprite, and some country ham. He will always be remembered for his surprise Christmas dinners!

Mr. Harlan is survived by his daughter, Mendee Harlan Sodolak of Round Top; granddaughter, McKenna Sodolak Heger (Rustin) of Bastrop; grandson, Lucas Sodolak of Cedar Creek; honorary grandson, Jared Johnson of Round Top; granddaughter, Ellee Sodolak of Corsicana, and great-grandson Reid Heger of Bastrop. He is also survived by one brother, Eric Harlan (Janet), of Muncie Indiana; one niece, Chris Harlan Armstrong (Brian) and one nephew, Ryan Harlan (Cindy), both of Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Effie Harlan, one infant brother, Delwin Harlan; son-in-law, Emil Sodolak, and Mendee’s mother, Nancie Lahee Harlan.

Mr. Harlan chose cremation for his final disposition. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Somerville, Texas, with his final resting place to be at Fayetteville Cemetery in Fayetteville, Texas.

Arrangements were entrusted to Fayette Memorial Funeral home and Crematory of La Grange, Texas.