Damon R. Donaldson

DAMON RUFUS DONALDSON was born of the union of Rufus Donaldson and Ramona (White) Donaldson on November 2, 1955 in Saint Louis, Missouri. Damon attended Sumner High School and was a member of the swim team, played drums for the marching band, and played football during his years there. In 1974, after graduating high school, he was accepted to Kentucky State University as a Physical Education major. At KSU, he was a part of the Drumline, worked as a campus pool manager, and formed a new club on campus known as the 7-11. Because of his love for swimming, Damon transferred to Ball State University in 1976 to continue his Physical Education major with an added emphasis in Aquatics. As a sophomore in 1977, Damon pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Upsilon Beta Chapter under the name Ubiquity and was number 3 of his line brothers. He graduated from Ball State University in 1979. Damon remained active with his Omega brothers as a member of the 50-year anniversary committee, attending homecomings, and even made the new scrapbook for the chapter, which he donated. Damon met Elaine Phillips while at Ball State University. They married in 1982 which produced his only child, Nia Donaldson.

Damon began his career as a Physical Education teacher and Aquatics Director for the Butler Street YMCA in Atlanta, Georgia. As an active member of the Atlanta community, he developed and executed several youth programs and influenced young men and women to attend college. In 1984, Damon moved on to Spellman College and
stayed true to his passions, serving again as a Physical Education teacher and Aquatics Director. His career encompassed over 30 years within the YMCA system, where he became a board member for Pike Township in Indianapolis, Indiana, in addition to the Boys & Girls Clubs and the American Red Cross. His career choices allowed him
to travel and live in several major cities including Houston, Texas, New York City, Saint Louis, Missouri, and Indianapolis, Indiana. He was even fortunate to meet his future wife, Sheila Watkins of Farmville, Virginia at the Fall Creek YMCA in 1999, and they were
married on April 26, 2000.

Damon accepted the position as Aquatics Director at Rhodius Parks and Recreation as he settled in Indianapolis. While at Rhodius, Damon made a great impact. He wrote the grant for the building, with help from his daughter Nia, who contributed her belief to include a dance studio in the facility. Damon was awarded over $1 million to
build the facility with his and Nia’s proposal, in which she designed the dance studio she had fought for. Damon broke ground on his pride and joy, and continued his legacy running various programs for children in his community. He created basketball teams and the Tiger Sharks swim team, trained young intercity kids to be lifeguards, and gave opportunities for scholarships to colleges. He was successful in his mission to give children in his community purpose and meaning in life to advance their own quality of life. Damon and Sheila are active members of Travelers Rest Baptist Church, where Damon played the drums during praise and worship. He also played performed at many other churches, summer camps, and parades in Indianapolis, playing the drums, harmonica, and blessing the people present with his beautiful voice. More affectionately known as “Mr. D,” Damon greatly enjoyed teaching drums, as is evident in his participation in The Freedom Court Jazz Ensemble, where he played for various events around the community.

In addition to performing, Damon also taught children to how to play the drums for 20 years as Big D Percussion. He donated his time and instruments to train IPS students in drumline. He could whistle any tune you could name, and what some may call a startling volume, but you always knew who it was just by the tone. Damon was an active member in the Masonic Lodge #39. He was named on sight by past Grandmaster Daryl Morton. During his time as a Mason, Damon provided the framework for Foundations for Future Leaders of Tomorrow, and he wrote the constitution and articles of corporation. He was beginning a mentorship for the Lewis Louis B. Russell Jr. School 48 prior to the start of COVID. Unfortunately, he was not able to complete this chapter of his life.

As accomplished as Damon was, his greatest accomplishment was his legacy, his beloved and cherished daughter, Nia Echelle Donaldson. Damon’s spirit of community, his heart for service and love for children is ever present in his daughter, the owner of The Movement Dance Studio, in Jonesboro, GA, where she teaches kids
and adults the beauty of movement and dance. Damon leaves behind his wife, Shelia, his daughter, Nia Donaldson of Atlanta, GA, his sister Diane Williams of St. Louis, MO and his brother, Dennis Donaldson, Hinesville, GA and a host of family and friends. He will be missed by all.