David Thomas Davenport

David Thomas Davenport, Jr., 39, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2009, surrounded by his loving family after a long and valiant battle with cancer. David was born in Austin, Texas. He attended Westlake High School before going to Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, where he was a member of the Wildcats football team. David channeled his love for cuisine and cooking into his job as researcher for the nationally syndicated newspaper food and travel column, America a la Carte, and because he had a special place in his heart for handicapped children, he also worked in the field of Recreational Therapy. David was loved by all who knew him for his innate goodness, tender heart and larger than life personality. David, whose strong faith in God and love for his family, will be remembered by all. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and it was God's grace that gave David strength in knowing His presence is eternally strong. David is survived by his parents, Diane and Jim Howard and David and Barbara Davenport; grandmother, Alice Ann Wilder Cornwell; sister, Casey Davenport; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Leslie Davenport and their sons, Wilder, Jack and Whit, and uncle, Hilliare Wilder of Sullivan, New Hampshire. The family gives heartfelt thanks to MD Anderson Cancer and Hospice Austin. Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 12, 2009. A family graveside service at Austin Memorial Park will be followed by an 11:00 a.m. memorial service at Covenant Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in David's name be made to the Helping Hand Home for Children, MD Anderson, or the charity of your choice.