William H. Davenport

William H. Davenport, 94 of Altus, Oklahoma and formerly of Fort Sumner, NM died Tuesday, January 19, 2010 in Altus following an illness. He was born August 16, 1915 in Dyersburg, TN the son of W.H. and Josie (Hamilton) Davenport. William was reared and attended school in Senath, MO. As a young man in the 1930’s he worked for a bakery. He was employed for several years in Military Defense Contractor during and following World War II. In the 1950’s he studied accounting and worked as an accountant for a manufacturing plant. He also worked from 1958-1974 at Lark Ellen Home for Boys as a bookkeeper and accountant. He retired in 1974. William married Loreta Blakeley on July 8, 1939 in Senath, MO. William loved music, he played the saxophone and according to Loreta was quite a soloist. They were longtime members of the Menefe Baptist Church in Sun City, CA where Bill served as church treasurer and was a member of the church choir. He also enjoyed building model airplanes and loved to camp and fish. They made their home in For Sumner in 1990 where they were members of the First Baptist Church. William and Loreta have made their home in Altus, OK for the past three years. Survivors include his wife Loreta Davenport of Altus, OK; a son James and wife Connie Davenport of Oklahoma City, OK; three grandchildren Scott Davenport and wife Heather of Fort Sumner; Kathy Woodard of Oklahoma City, OK; Jenny Miller of California; five great-grandchildren Wyatt Woodard, Miranda Woodard, Cassandra Miller, Jessica Miller and Samantha Miller. William is preceded in death by his mother Josie in 1915; his twin brother Calvin Thomas Davenport in 1919; his father William in 1949; a sister Bessie Palmer and a daughter Judith Elaine Davenport on May 23, 1994. (Judith Elaine Davenport daughter of William and Loreta Davenport died on May 23, 1994. Judith was born December 26, 1941 in Adrian, Michigan. She moved with her family to La Puente, CA during her high school years and graduated from La Puente High School. Judith worked as a secretary for a military contractor for a short time. She worked as a secretary beginning as a temp worker for a pharmaceutical company. She continued to work for the company for 15 years moving to a department supervisor position. Judith was an active member of First Baptist Church in El Monte, CA where she coordinated the singles group, was a pianist, member of the church choir and taught Sunday school for the fourth grade and high school students. Judith’s life revolved around her church and family, she made sure she taught her son these values. She made sure Scott was active in church activities. He participated in the KARE Youth league, a Christian organization of after school sports. They enjoyed spending every holiday with William and Loreta. Judith was a loving mother, daughter and sister. Her cremated remains will be laid to rest with her father.) Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, January 26, 2010 from the First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner with Rev. Nathan Lawrence officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com