The Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Damron, age 54, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2026. He was born in Lorain, Ohio on July 10, 1971. He was a graduate of Open Door Christian School, received his BA with honors in History from Kent State University, a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry at United Theological Seminary. His dedication to faith began at an early age. From participating in Awana to leading prayer before football games, Douglas continued to serve God and the wider church through ordained ministry and leadership.

Doug was ordained an Elder in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. He began his ministry while still a seminary student at Marathon United Methodist Church in 1996. Subsequently, he served as an Associate Pastor at Church of the Savior (Montgomery, OH), and Lead Pastor respectively at Epiphany (Loveland, OH), Epworth (Toledo, OH.) , Sharonville (Cincinnati), and Minnetonka (Twin Cities, MN). He served in various capacities of denominational leadership, including as Chairperson of the West Ohio Conference's Board of Ordained Ministry and of the Transformative Discipleship Team. He was active in the Emmaus Movement and a friend to too many missions committed to those on the margins to list.

Doug was committed to the inclusion of all in his denomination. As a founding member of the United Methodist Centrist Movement and Uniting Methodists, he worked tirelessly lobbying clergy and laity alike to support measures that would allow same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay/lesbian clergy. His efforts resulted in his being elected as both a General and Jurisdictional Conference delegate in 2016, culminating in the defeat of proposed legislation that would have made it even more difficult for everyone to participate fully in his denomination. He was gratified to see full inclusion approved at the 2024 General Conference.

A friend of Bill W, Doug was active in the recovery community in Toledo, Columbus, and Cleveland. He also championed the protections of clergy in his conference, struggling with alcoholism, addiction, and mental health issues. His last contribution was spearheading legislation to establish an ad hoc committee tasked with discussing, developing, and improving care for clergy who wanted to enter recovery and for the congregations they served. It passed at the West Ohio Annual Conference in May 2026.

Douglas enjoyed fine art, music, traveling, exceptional coffee, and theological conversations. His love for justice sometimes put him in the forefront, as he did not hesitate to speak out for the marginalized. His unmistakable love for God and humanity will be remembered by all he served. 

He is survived by his two sons, Wesley and Clayton, and granddaughter, Elodie. He also leaves his parents, Danny Damron (and life partner, Fran), Judy Board, brother David, and numerous aunts, uncles, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakewood Congregational Church (LCC), 1375 W Clifton Blvd, Lakewood, on July 20, 2026, at 2 pm. Clergy friends and colleagues of all denominations are invited to wear red or rainbow stoles and join in a processional at the beginning of the service.