David Davenport
January 29, 1951 - October 28, 2021
Fresno, California - Dr. David Paul Davenport, 70, of Fresno. David was an active member of the Fresno community, a member of several professional organizations related to History, Geography, Historical Reenactment, Archeology and Government. Dr. Davenport retired as professor of History and Geography at both FCC and FSU, with an AA degree from Coalinga College (now WHC), a BA degree and two MA degrees from Fresno State University and his Phd from University of Illinois. He authored 4 works registered with the Library of Congress and dozens of publications in professional journals on history, geography and genealogy. David was recently recognized by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors for his work in the restoration of Liberty Cemetery and his statewide efforts to validate and properly mark grave sites of veterans of the Mexican American War, Civil War and World War 1. David was also Very well known as Santa Dave from Sierra Vista Mall. David died peacefully in his home surrounded by friends and family after a short and valiant battle with Liver Cancer.
David is survived by his mother Ruth, his brother Kendell, nephews George and Jonathan and his beloved niece Lucille, all of Coalinga. He was predeceased by his father, Rev. Charles R. Davenport of Coalinga.
Internment service at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 40054 Calaveras Ave, Coalinga on Sunday, November 28th at 2:00 PM.
Remembrances may be made to Baker Museum at 297 W. Elm Ave, Coalinga, Ca 93210.

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Published by & from Nov. 13 to Nov. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David Davenport

6 Entries

Curtis

November 29, 2024

I had finally gotten around to preparing the Civil War letters my ancestor passed on to me for sending to Dr. Davenport but as I searched for where to send them I came to this and I am sorry that I missed knowing him beyond sharing words about my cousin Luther and the 15th Indiana.

Lisa and Ashley

July 12, 2024

I'm very saddened to hear about your passing Mr. Davenport. I first came to know you as my History professor at FCC. You brought history to life and had a way of teaching that I carry with me to this day.

I know I expressed this to you at the time, but I just wanted to say how grateful I have always been for the kindness you showed my daughter Ashley and I. She was on a break from school and I couldn't find a sitter, so I brought her to class. I remember being terrified that you were going to throw us out, but you didn't. Instead, you brought her art supplies because you noticed she loved to draw. You also taught her to love history.

She was only nine years old at the time, but she still remembers you fondly. I always wondered if you kept the drawing she made for you? It was of you, surrounded by flowers and she made you this great tie! I can still see your face when she gave it to you.

You and your class were the first experience she had of college and she couldn't wait to experience it. She spoke of you often, as a child. She still does.

She actually went to the civil war reenactment at Kearney Park to try to find you, but you weren't there. Like I said, you held a special place in her heart. We never forgot your kindness. Thank you Mr. Davenport.
Rest in peace

Savannah devaine

June 22, 2024

I'm overtaken by such sadness David is my first cousin I remember thanks giving at his house I live in IA my mom took me away from my Aunt Ruth and David I love u Aunt Ruth every Xmas was so magical for me and I miss u so much tried so hard to get ahold of u guys looking for cousin Kendall again and stumbled upon this in the web of searches . I'm so just sadden . Please reach out to me

Joan Newcomb

November 7, 2023

I remember David as a colleague whose passion for history, especially American Civil War History, captivated his students.

Joan Newcomb

November 7, 2022

Even now when I learn a new piece of history, I wonder if it is something David already knew, but am confident that if it is new knowledge to him,, he will be as jazzed about it as I am

Joan Newcomb

November 15, 2021

I worked with David at FCC. His passion for history made his lectures very popular with students because he coupled that passion with an extensive knowledge and appreciation of history, particularly our country. I routinely sat in on some of those lectures when my own teaching schedule permitted it. We both appreciated how a walk through cemeteries, can be a walk through a country's history. Twice we traveled into the Gold Country to check out obscure cemeteries where there had once been small, but thriving communities. David remarked that were it not for the grumbling headstones and old glass, rusted cans, nails, and other remnants of the past, there might not be any record of those who had once lived there.

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