Robert W. Davenport, Jr., passed away Saturday, April 28th, 2012 at the age of 55.
Robert was born December 12, 1956 in Columbia, Mississippi and was the oldest of 5 children. He graduated with highest honors from Mississippi State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation he began his 32-year career with Texas Instruments/Raytheon where he was named a Raytheon Fellow in 2008 and was an invaluable member to his team.
Robert married Janet Slaughter of Pascagoula, Mississippi in February 1983 and they enjoyed 31 years of marriage. He was a loving father to two children, Drew (24) and Julie (22). He was incredibly proud to see Drew graduate from Oklahoma State University in December 2011 and was a patient and adoring father and care-giver to his special-needs daughter, Julie…she truly is his little angel!
Robert was a kind, loving and gentle soul, with a quiet voice and a wonderful dry wit. He enjoyed sailing, woodworking, tech gadgets, and spending time with his family. He served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Lavon Yacht Club on Lake Lavon and was passionately involved with sailing throughout his life. In fact, he and Janet were sailing in beautiful St. Martin when he passed away.
Robert was a long-time member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen, Texas. He was a role model, mentor and friend to all his siblings, many co-workers and acquaintances. He will be deeply and sorely missed.
Robert is survived by his wife, Janet Davenport of Allen, Texas; son Drew Davenport of Wichita, Kansas; daughter, Julie Davenport of Allen, Texas; mother Patricia Davenport of Rogers, Arkansas; brother Gerard Davenport of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; and sisters Sharon Davenport of Visalia, California, Susan Davenport of Austin, Texas and Francie Davenport of New Orleans, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his father Robert W. Davenport, Sr.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 7, 2012, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Sunday evening at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen with a rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Donations may be made in Robert’s name to The 5P Minus Society, the support group for parents of children with 5p- Syndrome/Cri du Chat Syndrome or the American Diabetes Association’s Research Foundation. Robert was involved with 5P- Society since Julie’s diagnosis and worked with them on their Annual Conference and Get-Together. And he was a long-time member and supporter of the American Diabetes Association and their efforts to Stop Diabetes ®.
For Donations to 5p- Society:
Donate online at http://www.fivepminus.org/donate.htm
In notes section on Paypal, please indicate “In memory of Robert Davenport, Jr.”
For Donations to American Diabetes Association:
Send check payable to American Diabetes Association – Research Foundation and indicate either on the Memo line or a note enclosed, “In memory of Robert W. Davenport, Jr”. Mail check to:
American Diabetes Association – Research Foundation
1701 N. Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311
OR Donate Online at https://donations.diabetes.org/site/Donation2?df_id=7680&7680.donation=form1&loc=Homepage_DonateButtonMemory_may2012&s_src=hpmemory&s_subsrc=may2012
*Note in memory of Robert Davenport, Jr. and be sure to send an e-card indicating that this donation is for the Research Foundation so the funds are credited to the correct place.
*All funds will go directly to fund research for a cure.