Damon Roosevelt Hamel "Papa"

Damon Roosevelt Hamel "Papa" was called home on February 13, 2005. He was laid to rest on February 18, 2005 in Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alta, CA."Papa" was born on May 18, 1936 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Mr. & Mrs. Lionel Hamel. "Papa" graduated with a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State University. He retired from the San Mateo County Probation Department as a Juvenile Supervisor III after 20 years of service on March 31, 1992."Papa" was preceded in death by his first wife, father and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his mother; three brothers; two sisters; two sons; and three daughters.He was also preceded in death by his wife Edna E. Cheatham, with whom he spent 25 years."Papa" was the loving father of Kimberly Ann Cheatham (Marion) and grandfather to their children: DeViveca, Isaac, Linton, Misty, Rashawn and Thadeus, all of Auburn, CA; Derrick Hartley Sr. (Deloris) of Auburn and their children: Deidre, Derrick Jr., Dominique and Darius; Terrance Hartley Sr. of Milipitis, CA and his children: Terrance Jr., Trevon, Taylor of San Jose, CA and Portia Hartley and her brother Keenan Wishom, both of Auburn, CA."Papa" moved to Auburn, CA in 1996 and traveled until the year 2000, when his health began to decline. "Papa" made a significant impact on all of our lives with his unconditional love, compassionate guidance and beautiful smile.His battle with Alzeheimer's within the last year was unexpectedly rapid. We love and miss you, "Papa".