Walter E. Davenport gained his wings on August 12, 2025, after years of valiantly battling Vascular Dementia, a progressive, yet gentle disease that never took his smile, laugh, nor his ability to appreciate and enjoy life.  An eternal optimist, even while battling his illness, he’d always say, “Life is good!” and “I am luck-y!”

Born 11/15/1945 in Adrian, MI to Ernest Walker Davenport and Ruth Marion (Carey) Davenport.

The third of four children, Walt graduated from Pontiac Township High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University.

He married his soulmate, Norma Anne Starker, in 1965.  Married for nearly 60 years; their anniversary is September 4th. They were partners in life, in business, and in pleasure.  The two were never at a loss for what to say to each other, sharing meaningful conversations and complex debates.  Walt was always up for a good time, and the two never took themselves too seriously.  Laughter and enjoyment filled the space of their home.  Walt liked reading, tennis, golf, and was always looking to play board games or cards with family or friends.  In recent years, he rarely went a day without a competitive game of Yahtzee.

Walt thoroughly enjoyed a career in the retail food industry.  From owning Eisner Agency in his home town, to stocking dairy products with Walmart at the age of 73, his work ethic and dedication to each organization were testaments to his character and qualities he instilled in his family.

He was branded forever with the moniker “Papa” by his first two grandsons.  Papa Walt cherished time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Wearing his “Greatest Papa in the World” shirt and “Papa” hat, displaying all their names with pride and honor. His lasting impact on the grandchildren will live on for generations.

Walt was preceeded in death by his parents and his brother Ernest. Surviving are his wife, Anne, two siblings, Sandra Hannah, and Marilyn (Nyle) Wiechmann, his children, Christine (Don) Gish, Robert (Roxanne) Davenport, and Kimberly (Gordon) Willard, five grandchildren Blake (Brooke) Gish, Brandon (Juelie) Gish, Maxwell Davenport, Emma (Wyatt) Lindahl, and Reagan (Kenan) Salovich, and four great grandchildren Gabi, Ethan, Kelly, and Theodore. He had also been adopted as “Papa”  by Lincoln Weedman, the grandson of a close family friend, who also survives.

A memorial church service will be held on Saturday September 6th at 1:00pm at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Henderson, TX.

In Walt’s honor, please send memorials to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 214 College Avenue, Henderson, TX  75654.