Robert Leonard Davenport (“Len”) was born in Bayfield, Colorado on June 20, 1935 to Debs and Mary Catherine Davenport. His father Debs, died when Len was young and he and his three siblings were raised by Mary and his loving step father, Hubert Wadkins. He passed into the arms of his loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December fourth, 2016. He joins his deceased son, John Forrest Davenport and his sisters Helen Hanville and Carol Davenport.
Len graduated from high school in Delano, California. His lifelong passion for learning continued as he earned a BA degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Master’s Degrees from Boston University and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). He was also a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the National Defense Language Institute (in Arabic) in Arlington, Virginia.
Len was proud to serve as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army for 22 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980. His service took him and his family to several states, Germany and Puerto Rico. Unaccompanied tours included Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. His military medals included the Combat Infantry Man’s Badge, the Bronze Star, Meritorius Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm and RVN Civil Actions Medal with Palm.
Upon retirement from the Army, Len served as Senior Professor of Military Science (JROTC) AT Eastwood High School in El Paso, Texas for 16 years. After his second retirement, Len and his beloved wife of 56 years enjoyed many years of traveling the United States in their RV, often times accompanied by one or more of their 12 grandchildren.
Len found his greatest joy in his family and home. During his lifetime he was also an Eagle Scout, licensed skydiver and scuba diver, a founding member and elder of Santa Teresa Presbyterian Church, a life member of Country Club Optimist Club, member of the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), a 32 degree Mason and Shriner with memberships in York Rite and Scottish Rite.
Surviving Len are his beloved wife, Barbara (“Bobbie”), sons Robert, Jr., Stephen (Naomi Ruth) and Bryan; daughter Kathryn Davenport – Ramirez. Also,12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, brother Charles (Debbie), sister Marla Gravitt (Jim), brothers- in – law Richard Wiles (Barbara) and John Wiles (Lan). Also, Left to mourn Len is lifelong friend, Carolyn Morris.
Thank you to Dr. Armando Uribe and Reyna Gonzales, RN, Dr. Panagiotis Valilis, Dr. Ahmad Haaj, Willie Olmstead, RN; the Veterans Clinic of El Paso, Hospice of El Paso and Las Palmas Hospital (especially “Fab” and Patrick.) a special thank you to Christina and Maggie of Visiting Angels. Very special thanks to David and Sandra Taylor of Vista Alegre Adult Foster Home for their tender, loving and professional care of Len in his final days.
Services will be Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 11:00 am at Memory Gardens of the Valley, 4900 McNutt Road Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
I will always cherish his words to me, “I adore you, I love you.” Those words now and always bring comfort to me, “Bobbie”.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Santa Teresa Presbyterian Church c/o Charlie Mathis, Treasurer 110 San Isidro Road Santa Teresa, New Mexico 88008 or Country Club Optimist Club c/o Jean Stillman Treasurer 7231 9th Street Canutillo, Texas 79835.
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