Memorial
August 13, 1950 – October 15, 2026
Damon J. Cole, 76, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Cottage Grove Place, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
A gifted musician, beloved teacher, creative visionary, and cherished friend, Damon helped shape the musical and theatrical life of Eastern Iowa for more than four decades. His extraordinary talent was matched by his warmth, wit, generosity, and remarkable ability to make others feel welcome, valued, and inspired.
Damon was born August 13, 1950, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Damon and Nancy Cole. His family soon returned to Iowa, eventually settling in Charles City. His sister, Siri, arrived when Damon was just 21 months old, beginning a lifelong bond. Their younger brother, Kameron, joined the family in 1962.
Damon's love of music began early. He asked for a piano at age 5, and when his parents were finally able to purchase one three years later, a lifelong passion took root. After graduating from Charles City High School in 1968, he attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon, where he studied under Julian Bern, an influential mentor. He also began a long association with the Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon as a musician.
Following college, Damon made Cedar Rapids his home and devoted nearly 35 years to education, including his cherished work as fine arts facilitator at Johnson School for the Arts. He believed deeply in the power of music and the arts to enrich lives, and generations of students benefited from his encouragement, creativity, and care.
Damon was an extraordinary presence in the Cedar Rapids performing arts community. For 35 years, he was a cornerstone of the Cedar Rapids Follies, beginning as an accompanist and eventually serving as music director. He also helped bring countless productions to life at Theatre Cedar Rapids and throughout the region, including Hello, Dolly!, Big River, The Secret Garden, White Christmas, and Beauty and the Beast. His contributions extended to the Cedar Singers, whose creation and success owed much to his artistry, as well as to church music programs, including his service at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
At the piano, Damon was a marvel. He could make a single instrument sound like an orchestra, lead an entire company with the slightest nod of his head, and bring out the very best in the performers around him. Yet his greatest gift may have been the way he shared his talent. He championed young artists, encouraged performers to believe in themselves, and welcomed people exactly as they were. He was quick with a joke, generous with his time, and unfailingly kind.
Beyond music, Damon found joy in gardening, garage sales, shopping, and traveling. His humor, curiosity, creativity, and generosity made him a treasured friend to many. As his sister lovingly described him, Damon had a way of loving everyone he met in his own “quiet giant” way.
Damon was preceded in death by his parents, Damon and Nancy Cole. He is survived by his husband, David; his sister, Siri (Gordon) Dickinson of North Dakota; his brother, Kameron (Ligia) Cole of Waltham, Massachusetts; his nephews, Seth Dostart of Seattle, Washington, and Jack Cole of Iowa City, Iowa; his niece, Kalia Cole of Waltham, Massachusetts; his aunt, Irma Jordan of Winterset, Iowa; his cousins, Lewis and Grant; and a wide circle of dear friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.
Damon's legacy lives in the countless students, musicians, performers, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched. There are people making music and making theatre today because Damon once believed in them, gave them an opportunity, or welcomed them to his piano.
His seat at the piano may be empty, but the music he made, the joy he shared, and the kindness he showed will reverberate for generations
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests memorial contributions to the Hospice of Mercy Fund or the Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation.