L.H. “Dave” Davenport was born January 25, 1939, in Columbia, NC where he was the 9th out of 13 children born to L.H. and Lillian Davenport. Dave passed away on December 30, 2024, in Lincoln, NE at the age of 85.
Dave enlisted in the Air Force in 1957 and was stationed at the Air Force Base in Lincoln, NE for 4 years. He met and married Marge Wetenkamp, raising their 2 sons Dave and Dan on a farm East of Lincoln. Dave enjoyed helping on the farm and working with horses. He worked and retired from Burlington Northern Railroad after 25 years of service.
Dave was a very dedicated family man, his biggest joys in life were spending time with his family and friends. He coached his sons in many youth sports, he never missed an activity that they were participating in. He could also be found cheering on his Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren during their sports and activities. Dave was an avid sportsman himself, he enjoyed bowling, softball, and playing golf with his friends.
After Retirement, Dave enjoyed spending the winters at his home in Florida, he was frequently found on the golf course with friends.
He is survived by sons, Dave (Kim) Davenport, Dan (Robin) Davenport; grandchildren, Dustin Davenport, Ashley (Jake) Garbrecht, Dana (Riley) Fricke, and Alex (Val) Davenport; great-grandchildren, Rylee & Kinsley Garbrecht, and Dawson Fricke; and Marge Davenport.
Preceded in death by his parents; 8 brothers; 4 sisters; and in-laws, W.W. & Lola Wetenkamp.
We would like to thank all the staff at The Legacy for providing the love and care for our father/grandfather.
Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln. Inurnment with Military Honors to follow at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.
Memorials may be donated to the family for future designation.
The Memorial Service will be livestreamed HERE.
Uncle L.H. Was so special to our family. He personally passed along his hobby of coin collecting to me and I think of him often when searching for new coins. His great nephew (11 month old) Harrison Davenport was named to carry on the family name that uncle L.H. Shared. Until we meet again…
Hey Jerry! Just seeing your comment and loving your Harrison too.
Your first cousin Liz
Rest in peace, grandpa. You will be missed.
My dad thought the world of Dave. He was a great human being always kind and willing to help.
A GREAT MAN survived by a wonderful family!!
He will be missed but always remembered!!
It’s so hard to lose a loved one.
Sorry for your loss
Dave and I worked on the Railroad together until his retirement. We were on the same bowling team many years. We also golfed together in Lincoln and Florida. I never heard him say a unkind word about anybody. He talked about his family alot. He will be missed.
RIP coach, you will be missed.
My late grandson, Fletcher Harrison Pierce, carried the family “Harrison” name. His great, great grandfather, Lewellyn Harrison Davenport, Sr., his great grandfather, Stephen Harrison Davenport, Sr., great, great uncle, Lewellyn Harrison Davenport, Jr. (LH), and great uncle Stephen Harrison Davenport, Jr., he was their namesake. All, God, country, and family men. Uncle LH supported The Davenport Family Scholarship at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, NC which memorialized his parents and each of his 12 siblings. He was that kind of person. In the days after the accident and leading up to Fletcher’s passing, LH stayed in constant contact. Nebraska was only a phone call away. He was that kind of uncle, my father’s brother. It is comforting to know that they all share a heavenly place together. Bless this family as we morn his loss and celebrate his life.
A loving niece, Lizbeth Davenport Brown
I was blessed to be married to David Clarence Davenport, son of Joseph Davenport. David grew up with and was very close to Jimmy and Frank Davenport. Jimmy and David attended school together in Columbia. He had great loving memories of all his Davenport cousins. I too greatly admired and loved the family. I’m saddened to learn of the passing of L H and hope the family finds solace and some comfort in knowing his was a life well lived. God bless each of you with love and peace.
Dear Cousins,
Over the past few days, I’ve been trying to come up with some words to type. Normally the words flow onto paper, but this one is different.
Perhaps I don’t want to think about it.
In 1976 I came into the world unplanned. God knew the plan for my life before I took my first breath.
God had the most beautiful family prepared to welcome me with open arms. That indeed happened. An unnamed infant received her forever family and a last name that would mean the world to her.
Davenport.
It was crystal clear that this extremely large Davenport family was not only big in number…
But their hearts and arms knew no limit.
I was young when Grandma Lil passed so I don’t have a lot of memories of her.
But boy oh boy do I have memories of her children! My Dad and all of his siblings. And all our cousinsssss……
Davenport Family Reunions were not your ‘normal’ get togethers. Ohhh noo. These reunions would last several days. Moms and Dads would pack their RVs or station wagons and drive hours once a year – to have THE BEST gathering anyone could dream of!
While us younguns spent the days barefoot, making up routines, and playing ball, the Davenport siblings could be found gathered in a circle telling the same stories as were told for decades all laughing so hard they couldn’t see or talk! Yet everyone knew just how the story would end!
Uncle LH was the last Davenport sibling to leave this world. He was one of the most gentle, generous, kind men I’ve ever known in my life. He was intelligent and seemed to know how to do just about anything. During one trip to Buckingham we shared how we were in the process of “finishing” our basement.
Well within hours he and Dad were down here installing drop ceilings. Uncle LH didn’t bat an eye…he was here and he was gonna help bygolley!
He and Dad were the last 2 living brothers and they shared a special bond. We always enjoyed his visits, meals together, and the unending laughs.
Granddaddy Lou and Grandma Lil finally got to see their last child.
If you’ve ever experienced a Davenport Family Reunion, you can only imagine the Heavenly Reunion that’s taking place right this moment.
I love you, Uncle LH.
We will be together again.
May the Good Lord bless all you cousins with His strength, comfort, and peace.
I love y’all very much.
Tammy Davenport Hunt
Dave was a kind man my wife and I met him 6 years ago in tarpon springs and his good friend Jay who they shared a home together in Florida he will be missed I loved hearing about his golf stories.
Dave and Dan I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. I absolutely adored your parents growing up. Hugs and prayers.
Andy and I were honored to have met and spent time with LH he was a wonderful man and will truly be missed.