DWAYNE "GABE" DAVENPORT

Dwayne "Gabe" Davenport, 75, of Girard, Kan., died at 8:45 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 at his home.

He was born Oct. 19, 1934 in Arcadia, Kansas, a son of Arthur "Art" and Doris (Easter) Davenport.

He grew up and attended schools in Farlington and graduated from Girard High School in 1952.

He worked as a clerk at Keith's Market in Girard from 1952-1996. During that time frame, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and began his service from May 6, 1957 until May 1, 1959.

He spent most of his military time in Germany as a member of the First. Battalion Group, Fifth Infantry, Eighth Division. Upon returning to Girard he resumed his employment at Keith's Market.

After retirement, he owned and operated a lawn service, a sign painting company, and a fireworks business, all in Girard.

He married Joanne Baldwin on Aug. 30, 1970 in the United Methodist Church in Farlington. She survives of the home.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Farlington, the Hepler Masonic Lodge No. 398 of Hepler, Kan., and the Girard Masonic Lodge No. 93 of Girard. He held various offices in each lodge for 42 of his 44 years of membership.

In the fall of 1959, Gabe started as part of the sideline crew for the Girard Trojan football team continuing until 2009. In addition, he assisted with the Girard Trojan baseball team regarding scorekeeping and announcing. He received numerous awards for volunteering with sporting events at the Girard High School.

For many years, Gabe painted numerous signs that can still be seen throughout the entire area. Some of the more well-known signs are the seasonal decorations, sports logos and various business advertisements.

He enjoyed high school athletics, car and go-kart racing, and all levels of baseball. Furthermore, he always had time for visiting and spending time with friends and family.

His sports activities included playing baseball, fast-pitch softball, ice hockey, basketball, golf and bowling. Gabe was most known for being a member of the Farlington Laker baseball team and participating in the ort Scott fast-pitch softball league.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Joanne, are sons Mike Davenport and his wife Jennifer of Fort Smith, Ark.; and Joey Davenport and his wife Tasha of Girard; grandchildren are Jacob, Gage, Maddie, and Cami Davenport; brothers are Bill Davenport and Dorothy of Mexico, Mo., Jim Davenport and Helen of Marquette, Neb., Kenneth Davenport and Leah of Tishomingo, Okla., and Gary Davenport and Carol of Farlington; aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Doris Davenport; and a nephew, Jason Davenport.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Monday at St. Michael's Hall in Girard with Rev. Doug Amend officiating.

Masonic services will be conducted by the Girard Masonic Lodge No. 93, AF & AM of Girard at St. Michael's Hall.

Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery with military honors given by the Fort Riley Casualty Detail.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Sunday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where friends may call after 1 p.m., Sunday.

Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Churches in Farlington and Girard, or to a scholarship fund established for students at the Girard High School. These may be left at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard 66743.