JOHN DAVENPORT

1936 - 2015

JOHN DAVENPORT obituary, 1936-2015, Edmond, OK

JOHN DAVENPORT

1936 - 2015

BORN

1936

DIED

2015

JOHN DAVENPORT Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6, 2015.
September 8, 1936 - December 2, 2015 EDMOND John David Davenport died on December 2, 2015 after three weeks of loving care at the Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was an inspirational creative force in business and a fierce competitor on the golf course where he spent so much of his life. "DD", as he was known by friends, was born on September 8th, 1936 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Essye and James Henry Davenport and he attended school there until he met and married his high school sweetheart Patsy. They were married for 61 years and had three daughters and one son. He was preceded in death by his three daughters: Alexis Lee (42), Lisa Alane (49) and Patricia Lee (38). He is survived by his wonderful and devoted wife, Pat; son, David Mark Davenport; and four granddaughters: Alexis & husband Mario Chiarolanzi, Lindsey Lavender, and Ashley and Christina Davenport.Davenport sustained a massive business career in financial services primarily in and around Oklahoma City. Beginning in the early 1970s until his death, he served as Chairman of The Board of Directors of Quail Creek Bank N.A. He loved to tell everybody that Quail Creek Bank remains the largest single branch bank in Oklahoma and a real person always answers every phone call! He started his career as brand manager for Proctor & Gamble in Garland Texas. In 1964, he started a new investment retirement idea called Davenport Dilliard. In the 1970s, Davenport pioneered another new company with Sooners coaching legend Charles "Bud" Wilkinson to establish retirement savings for public employees called Public Employees' Benefit Services Corp which now has over 25 billion dollars in assets and is part of the Nationwide Life Companies. In 1986, along with one of his founding partners in PEBSCO, Gerald G. Barton, he started a third company, Landmark Financial Services, with his son, Mark Davenport as President. Landmark quickly became one of the largest bank investment savings programs in the US, including a venture with Citibank N.A. and developed operations nationally with over 1500 employees and sales of over one billion dollars annually. Davenport had many other ventures in his lifetime including a partnership with the National Assn of Cities and Counties (NACO). He delighted in serving as Chairman of Quail Creek Bank and working on the NACO partnership, until his death. It would be impossible to list the hundreds of people and companies whose lives and businesses were inspired or nurtured by Davenport's creative efforts. He left many heartfelt thanks to Gerald Barton, Bud Wilkinson, Jay Wilkinson, Larry Naake and Steve Swendiman and Bill Jasien, Joe Gasper and Joe Silman, Burt Olah Jr., Steve Thompson and the many, many wonderful smiling faces of the employees at Quail Creek Bank. (Many thanks from the family to Lacey!) Among many distinctions and awards, Davenport was appointed by President Reagan as a founding member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Board. Davenport didn't have many hobbies but like his efforts in business, he started with nothing and became excellent. He was a regular part of a group at Oaktree National Golf Club every day since 1972 when he became one of the original 30 members. He was a scratch golfer with over 20 holes in one and was proud to have qualified for the British Senior Amateur! Davenport was well known as "DD" and for having shot his age over 50 times in the last ten years!! He thanks the many employees and fellow golfing and gin buddies for many wonderful years of memories at Oaktree. David Davenport's other interests were his never ending efforts to help others less fortunate or those who had crossed his path at a time of need in their lives. He cherished his four grandchildren and loved his wife and son very much. Pat and Mark were with him every day and night at the Heart Hospital since November 10th when he sustained a sudden heart attack. His life was preserved for three weeks by the herculean efforts day and night by the many fabulous doctors, nurses, and assistants who brought smiles to his face and made his last days comforting and hopeful. We will always be grateful to Drs. Ghani and Fixley who gave his family three weeks to share faith, love and hope together before he joined his three daughters, Lexie, Lisa and Tricia in heaven!! We know they are laughing, dancing and smiling from above!!David was a member of First Methodist Church of Edmond and his services will be held at 1pm, Monday, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church on Hefner in Okla. City with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. A reception will be held at Oak Tree National Golf Club, following the committal service.In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital Research Foundation, 4200 W. Memorial Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73120 or at www.okheart.com/research/make-a-donationVisit David's online memorial at www.Baggerley.com and share your memories and condolences with the family. www.okheart.com/research/make-a-donation

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Sign JOHN DAVENPORT's Guest Book

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January 19, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2015

Rachel Donatti posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2015

Cathy Maloney posted to the memorial.

January 19, 2016

On behalf of the Insured Retirement Industry-IRI/NAVA we send our deepest condolences on recently learning of the loss of David who was a Hall of Fame member of our organization. He dedicated so many years of his life to working on helping others plan for a dignified retirement. He will be truly missed. Cathy Weatherford, President & CEO

Rachel Donatti

December 10, 2015

Mr. Davenport was one of the most kind-hearted, hardworking, caring, and generous gentleman that i have ever been blessed to meet♡ Mr. David Davenport was not only the sponsor of the most prestigious scholarship I was blessed to receive, but he became such a supporter of me and an advocate for my success...he has been a mentor, a great role model and most of all a friend though we only got to meet in person twice, the first when I was flown out on my first airplane ride to Arizona to receive my scholarship and the second when he flew his private jet into warrensburg to come to his first graduation he had ever been invited to by the scholarship recipient...he was an even bigger blessing when he paid for lunch for everyone at my graduation luncheon as I was going to have to foot the bill in order for some of them to come ♡♡♡ During some difficult times as when my Dad passed away he was an ear on the other end of the phone, he genuinely cared about what was happening in my life though he had only met me twice...I sent him some homemade fudge for Christmas a couple years in a row, for a man who already had so much I wanted to give him something, as little as it may have been, to show my appreciation for all that he had done for me and for just being so kindhearted to people♡ I looked up to him as a Father figure, a mentor, and a great friend. I can't express how saddened I am that this world lost such a one of a kind leader and kindhearted gentleman nor can I imagine the joyous party that is taking place in Heaven for such an Angel to be called Home to be with his beloved children I know he was anxious to see again...Rest in Peace Mr. Davenport, you will never be forgotten...Thank you for all you did and for investing in me ♡

Cathy Maloney

December 10, 2015

I was very sad to hear of David's death. It was a privilege to know such a wonderful and loving man. My prayers are with you all. God bless.

Cristi Bucher

December 8, 2015

I had the unusual opportunity to see David in a different way than others. I got to see him in more vunerable situations as a nurse that helped with his care from as far back as I can remember, maybe as far back as 1998. I was so inspired at his service to see how much he loved and cared about his family. The most touching thing I noticed is in just about every picture that was shown, David was hugging and touching everyone he came in contact with. You can tell he loved with his whole being. My heart goes out to your entire family. I wish I knew him better.

Ken & Kathy

December 7, 2015

Dave was a blessing to many and certainly to our daughter. Pat, you and Dave have been great surrogate grandparents to Kenna. Thank you and God Bless the Davenport Family!

Kim Cohlmia Musgrove

December 7, 2015

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Such privilege to have known David. I have so many fond memories spent with your family. He will be missed by many.
Love

Fred Carter

December 6, 2015

David was as fine a man I've ever met!!! He done so many things for so many people!! My heart broke when I heard news of his passing! It was a pleasure to work for Dave the short time I did, he done so much for me and I greatly appreciated it!! The world lost a great soul and he will surely be missed! But I know he's all smiles now seeing his 3 daughters, GOD bless him and his wife and son to get thru the days to come with peace and strength

Lewis

December 6, 2015

Deepest sympathy for this great loss to the family. There is a depth of compassion felt for you. The loving-kindness of GOD can sustain you now and in the days ahead. May you find a measure of comfort in the loving support of each other and friends.

clay and maggie

December 6, 2015

David was one of the all time great souls of this world, a true compassionate spirit whose energy was only surpassed by his kindness to all. We didn't see him often, but when we did it was like talking to your best friend. His and Patsy's help and compassion when my parents went through their terrible ordeal was unmeasureable. We will miss him. God bless Patsy, Mark, and all the kids.

December 5, 2015

My prayers for you Pat and your family.
Glenda Merrill

Trudy Adkins

December 5, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers go to the entire Davenport family. We are so sorry for your loss. I am so great full for Gods promises!

Tony Hines

December 5, 2015

Dave was such a passionate advocate for the retirement industry. A five minute chat with Dave left you ready to attack and solve the problems of the day. He made you feel special from the moment you first met him. He will be missed.

December 4, 2015

Jim and I were heartbroken when we received the news. The Davenport's have been a large part of our lives for a very long time. Dave was very supportive of Jim when he started his aviation business many years ago and was very instrumental in the very early days that enabled Jim to be able to build a successful business. It goes without saying how much we will miss him as a friend and business associate.
God Speed and rest in peace dear friend. Jim and Pam Clark

Ralph Marsh

December 4, 2015

David had such tremendous energy and passion. He made you feel special and always was generous with his time, money and friendship. He loved to brainstorm ideas and his passion for the retirement industry was apparent from the minute you met him. I will miss him and feel honored to call him my friend.

Gregory Seller

December 4, 2015

David was a great mentor, leader and visionary. He also had a big and generous heart. If only his physical heart was as strong as his caring spirit, he would have lived forever.

Gregg Seller

December 3, 2015

He taught me so much about the business, way back in 1980 when we won the State of South Carolina business, with PEBSCO as the administrator and Great-West as the product provider. Our relationship spanned 37 years, as friends, business partners, competitors, and ultimately, soul mates for the betterment of public employee retirement security. We last celebrated at NAGDCA in San Antonio. Though he was not physically at NAGDCA in Indy, he was there in spirit. Thank you David, for the indelible mark you left on the industry as a true pioneer. You saw the vision and made it happen. Journey on, dear soul.

Gregg Seller

December 3, 2015

Its not everyday when someone walks into the world of academia with the charisma, intelligence and sincere desire to help students change their lives and the lives of those for whom they will serve as financial/retirement advisers. David's impact on the Dept of Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech and on the retirement industry with his guidance and support of the CRC(R) designation is beyond measure. Always the most gracious, encouraging professional to our students and a brilliant, creative mind who supported our program and faculty. Nothing fired me up more than a call with or visit from David. Always engaging, always insightful and always sharing. But most of all, he was my friend and I'm gonna miss those visits and phone calls. He'll forever be special to those who knew him!
Bill Gustafson, Texas Tech University

Della Williamson

December 3, 2015

David helped so many people and the Deferred Compensation industry. He will be greatly missed. I personally know the Dillard's that gave him his first loan and have called them. If you knew David, you loved him. Will miss David.

Julia Durand

December 3, 2015

As many will say, David made us feel as if we were the most important person when speaking with him. Yet so many more are benefiting from his retirement education efforts. Rest in Peace my friend and Thank You

Mary Willett

December 3, 2015

David was a very special man who will be missed greatly by all of his NAGDCA and InFRE friends and colleagues. My sincere sympathy to David's family and friends.

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Baggerley Funeral Home

930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034

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Sign JOHN DAVENPORT's Guest Book

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January 19, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2015

Rachel Donatti posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2015

Cathy Maloney posted to the memorial.