William Edward Davenport,
Skandia Township – William Edward Davenport, age 79, of 9749 US 41 South, Skandia Township, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, February 19, 2012, at his home, in the loving care of his family. Bill was born July 15, 1932 in Manito, Illinois, a son of Carvey Wilson and Isa Oda (Keith) Davenport. He was raised in Lincoln, Illinois until entering the US Army in 1952, where he served in the military police in Japan, attaining the rank of corporal. Following his honorable discharge in 1954, he returned to Lincoln where he was employed by the Stetson China Company. In 1964, he began a 25 year career with the Caterpillar Corporation, retiring in 1989. On March 29, 1968, Bill married the former Susan Ruesing in Mason City, Illinois, with his mother and father serving as their witnesses. While residing in Lincoln, Bill was in charge of Junior Church and the Bus Ministry at State Street Baptist Church for over 17 years, a ministry that reached out to youth and families in trouble. Bill and Susan moved to the Skandia area in 1989, following his retirement. Bill loved to be outdoors and the local area provided all that nature had to offer. He enjoyed fishing, working in the woods, and deer hunting. However, he was a family man at heart and nothing was better than spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He delighted in teaching and sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with his family and friends. Bill was a member of the American Legion. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Bill is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan; his sons, John Edward Davenport of Martinsville, IN, Russ (Tonya) Davenport of Edwards, IL, Kevin Davenport of Lebanon, IN, and Charles Dean Davenport of Lincoln, IL; his grandchildren, Erik, Ryan, Annie, Natalie, Charles, Hannah, and William; and his sister, Lois Jean Johnson of Lincoln, IL; many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William Davenport, Jr., brothers, Marvin, Wilbur, and Wilford Davenport; and a sister, Elnora Johnson. The family will receive relatives and friends at the First Baptist Church, 728 W. Kaye Avenue, Marquette, on Saturday, February 25, beginning at 1:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm Saturday afternoon with Pastor John Robenault officiating. Veteran’s honors will be accorded by members of Jopling Post #44 of the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, because flowers fade and die, Bill would desire that all donations be directed to the following ministries, because ministry lives on: Youth Fund, Community Covenant Church (Carlshend), C/O P.O. Box 52, Trenary, MI 49891; The Care Clinic, 1213 N. Third Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855; or Sawyer Free Will Baptist Church, Bible Distribution Ministry, P.O. Box 519, Gwinn, MI 49841. The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderfuneralhome.com