Donald Davenport

Donald Weldon Davenport Jr., age 61, passed away Tuesday June 30, 2009 after a courageous battle with lymphoma, surrounded by his wife and children at Rose Lane Health Center. He was born September 20, 1947 in Massillon to the late Donald Weldon and Frances (Hoch) Davenport. Donald was a veteran of the United States Army serving in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969 and was awarded the Purple Heart. He recently retired as the Facilities Manager/ ECO for Emerson Process Management in Solon, OH after 42 years of devoted service. Donald was a member of the Church of the First Born, the Massillon Tiger’s Booster Club, and the Massillon DAV. Don and his high school sweetheart Susan (Steiner) recently celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on June 17. She survives along with their children Shawn Marie (Steve) Buttrill of Massillon, Sarah (Dr.Vincent) Perkowski of Bolivar, Adam (Katie Radel) Davenport, and Aaron (Joy King) Davenport both of Massillon; sister Cheryl Davenport of Northfield; grandchildren Gavin, Camberlee, and Teagan Perkowski, Savannah Buttrill, Nolan Weldon and Noelle Davenport, and Landen Davenport. Despite being faced with a terminal illness, Don’s faith in the Lord never wavered and he always took the opportunity to share his beliefs with anyone he came in contact with. He was an avid sports enthusiast especially of Massillon Tiger sports. He enjoyed fishing, playing ball and singing silly songs with his grandkids, and was a renowned jokester. Visitation will be Friday from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home at 1100 Wales Rd NE. Graveside services will immediately follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with Pastor William Smith officiating. Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be given to the Leukemia/ Lymphoma Society. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to www.arnoldlynch.com