YERKES Damon Greenleaf Yerkes, Jr. passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2015. Damon was born on October 22, 1924 and was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville. He graduated from Sewanee Military Academy in 1943 and joined the Army Air Corp, in World War II. Damon received a purple heart for his injuries when his plane was shot down over Yugoslavia and the crew were held as prisoners of war. Damon attended Washington & Lee University for two years and was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity and manager of the football team. He left college early to work for the family business, the Florida Hardware Company where he started in sales and worked his way up to President. In 1959 Damon married Elizabeth Betty Hodges, they enjoyed 50 years together, and had three children. Damons community service started early while he earned his Eagle Scout badge and he remained a life-long supporter of the boy scouts. He was a founding member and Commodore of the Rudder Club, Honorary Life Member and Commodore of the Florida Yacht Club, board member and honorary trustee of the Evergreen Cemetery Association, vestry member and Senior Warden of Good Shepard Episcopal Church, member of International Rotary where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow, and board member of Hope Haven Childrens Hospital. Hunting, fishing and boating were Damons favorite activities. He was a lover of animals and the family home was always full of dogs and cats. He is survived by the worlds worst guide dog, but beloved companion, Ned. Damon was preceded in death by his wife and his brother, Judson Beebe Yerkes, III. He is survived by and his sister, Catherine Y. Grant, his children, Damon, III (Kelly), Elisabeth and Darden. Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Gate 5 at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. A reception celebrating Damons life will follow at 11:00 at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210, in Leatherbury Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to St. Marks Episcopal Church, N.E. Florida Community Hospice, or The Boy Scouts of America. Arrangements are in the care Evergreen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4535 Main Street. 904-353-3649
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