Damian Joseph Rangel

Damian J. Rangel, former Cozad resident, passed away July 24, 2024 in York, Nebraska at the age of 61. Damian was born on September 1, 1962 to Sixto and Lupe Rangel. He was the second youngest of 15 children, spanning three generations.

Damian lived in Cozad, Nebraska. He was a successful athlete at a young age, competing as a Junior Olympian in swimming, as well as being a three sport athlete in high school. He graduated High School as a multi letter athlete in football, basketball and track. He received several offers to swim and play basketball in college. Damian took a scholarship to play basketball at Columbus Jr. College in Columbus, Nebraska. After one year he decided to join the Navy. He spent his boot camp in Chicago. He trained as a Hospital Corpsman, and was stationed at Balboa Hospital, and then placed at Camp Pendleton where he played for the Navy Softball team. 

Damian was married to his high school sweetheart Kathy Etherton in December of 1984. They moved to San Diego / Oceanside, California where they eventually welcomed their eldest daughter Molly in September of 1988. 

The Family eventually moved back to Nebraska where they lived in Lincoln. Damian worked in a chiropractic office and then as a guard at the Lincoln Lancaster Jail. Damian last worked for Union Bank & Trust, he was always so thankful for how they treated him as an employee. 

The family continued to grow, and in August of 1992, Amelia was born, then his son Bailey was born in February of 1995.

Damian loved to attend church. He and his family attended Eastridge Presbyterian Church for over a decade. He and Kathy served as youth group sponsors for years. 

He was most passionate about coaching basketball. Damian was one of the main organizers of the South Lincoln Swish basketball program. Coaching was undoubtedly one of Damian’s greatest gifts. He understood basketball and was able to inspire athletes to become the best version of themselves in the game. 

Damian is survived by his children; Molly Rangel, Amelia Baker (Aaron), and Bailey Rangel; his grandchildren, Quinnley Baker, Presley Baker and Maveryk Baker; siblings, Ysidro Rangel, Jessie Young, Virginia Newman (Mike), Sally Curtice (Steve), Sarah Rangel, Mary Dishman (Terry) and Simon Rangel (Deb); along with many nieces and nephews for whom Damian loved to brag about and support; and his players and coaches for whom he would say “Who are we, one…two…three….SWISH!” 

In Lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to VRLY Storm in Lincoln, NE. This club has very similar values to that of the South Lincoln Swish club that Damian loved so dearly. 

When making donations please specify “in memory of Damian Rangel”. Checks can be made out to: VRLY Storm, Venmo: @VRLYstorm, Cashapp: $COGBASKETBALL.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel.