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Cecil Davenport
Cecil Owen Davenport was born on June 11, 1939 in Benton, IA to Roy Richard Davenport and Sylvia Ellen (Spencer) Davenport. After finishing country school, Cecil graduated from Mount Ayr High School in 1957. He later attended NWMSU in Maryville, MO. Cecil went on the wheat harvest and worked for various farms before marrying the love of his life.
On March 29, 1963, Cecil and Betty Kay Reynolds were united in marriage. To this union, two children were born; Kenneth Eugene and Kelley Sue. After a short period in Omaha, as a steel worker, they returned to Ringgold County to raise their family and farm. Cecil was baptized on March 30, 1975 at the first Christian Church and served as deacon.
When he wasn't busy on the farm, he hauled livestock for Lloyd "Boots" Bedier where he went by the handle of "sodbuster". In the late 1980's, Cecil worked on the side as a dozer operator for Vernon McGahuey, and later for Shaha Construction. Cecil had a love for sports and the outdoors. He was active in football and baseball during his high school years. After high school he played on local fast pitch and slow pitch softball teams.
When he hung up his cleats, he enjoyed attending local athletic events. He always enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He enjoyed coyote hunting and running hounds. He was an avid deer hunter, looked forward to Deer Camp every year, and spent many hours fishing. Grandpa shared his love of the outdoors with his granddaughters. He enjoyed giving them tractor rides and teaching them how to fish.
Cecil was an honest, quiet, man that was respected and loved by many. His words could be trusted with a hand shake. He often didn't have much to say, but when he did, it was worth listening to. He finished his six year battle with cancer on May 16, 2016 with his family's support.
He is survived by his wife Betty, Son Kenny (Fiancé Kelly), daughter Kelley (Bryan Hunt); grandchildren Mackenzie (friend Alex), Sidney, and Molly; brother R.B. (Mary) Davenport; Sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lots of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-laws, brothers: Leroy, Kenneth, Russell; uncles, aunts, sister-in-law's, brother-in-law's, and cousins.
Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church, Mt. Ayr Athletic Department or Family Worship Center in Kellerton.
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Funeral Service
May 20, 2016
10:30 AM
First Christian Church
201 W. Monroe St
Mount Ayr, IA
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Open Visitation Without Family Present
May 19, 2016
12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home
205 West Monroe St
Mount Ayr, IA
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Burial
Friday May 20 2016
Rose Hill Cemetery
Hwy 2 & 169
Mount Ayr, IA
To plant memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Cecil Davenport, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Betty, Kenny, Kelley:
I just learned of Cecil''s passing. My prayers are with you as you adjust to life without this gentle man.
It''s hard to think of the world going on without Cecil. I hesitated when asked in this site about my relationship to Cecil. I finally listed it as "friend" although I have always thought of all of you as family.
May your memories sustain you until you meet again, in that beautiful place where there is no cancer and no pain.
Nov 30 0001 12:00 AM
To Cecil''s Family: Love and prayers. From my early memories of study hall with Cecil or riding on the same school bus to admiring him throughout his life to being neighbors, Cecil was always the same: kind, gentle, helpful, friendly. And Betty was his perfect soulmate. May God grant you comfort and peace as you hold tight to precious memories.
Nov 30 0001 12:00 AM
Betty,Kenny and Kelley and families ,
I am so sorry for your loss and he will be missed by many ......
You all are in my thoughts and Prayers during this hard time in your lives .
May God bless you all and put his hand on all and he will guide you through this time also
God Bless
Marla Kay(Woollums) Cook
Nov 30 0001 12:00 AM
Betty,Kenny and Kelley and families ,
I am so sorry for your loss and he will be missed by many ......
You all are in my thoughts and Prayers during this hard time in your lives .
May God bless you all and put his hand on all and he will guide you through this time also
God Bless
Marla Kay
Nov 30 0001 12:00 AM
So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for strength at this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts
are with you,
Rod Boles, n Brenda Osborn
Nov 30 0001 12:00 AM
I am so sorry for your loss. Cecil was a wonderful man. May god give you comfort and peace. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Nov 30 0001 12:00 AM
Betty , Hope to see you this summer and give you a hug. Sorry you have had to say bye to Cecil for awhile. The Lord says we will see our loved ones again and I know you believe. See you again soon and condolences.
Nov 30 0001 12:00 AM
Betty,
I''m So Sorry to hear about Cecil''s passing. My Prayers go out to you & your family. He was such a Wonderful man & a Blessing to our Community! He will be Greatly Missed by many. May God Comfort You the way only He can, and may you draw from His Strength! May God Bless You & Your Family with Precious Memories of All the many Special Times you shared together!
Keeping you all in our Thoughts & Prayers, Jodi Angus & Family
Nov 30 0001 12:00 AM
We''re sorry Betty to hear of Cecil''s passind.
Nov 30 0001 12:00 AM
I did not know Cecil, nor do I know the family, but I know the impact he had on the life of my friend, Teri Trask. People like Cecil who go quietly about their own business, taking care of their families, contributing to the community, loving those who need an extra boost are the real heroes of our world. We need more people like him. My sincere sympathies go to the family and friends who are feeling the loss keenly in the next several months. Please know that he made a difference in the world that ripples out to countless others.
Nov 30 0001 12:00 AM