Kenneth “Ken” L. Davenport

Kenneth “Ken” L. Davenport, 89, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on February 15, 2022 in the care and comfort of VNA Hospice House, attended to by his “high school sweetheart” of 68 years of marriage, Joan.  He was born on January 10, 1933 to the late Catherine (née Cain) Davenport Nolte and Lewis H. Davenport and raised in Morris, Illinois.

Like so many children of his era, Ken was a hard-working young boy who helped support his mother and sister.  He was a standout athlete, lettering in varsity football and track during his 4 years at Morris Community High School.  Upon graduation in 1951, and shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Corporal.  Before shipping out, he married Joan Louise Borens on June 6, 1953.  Upon their return to Morris from England with a newborn son in tow, they reared their two sons and became active members of the community.

Ken was an out-going and civic-minded businessman, serving as President of the Board of Morris Community High School, President of the Morris Country Club, and Vice President of the Illinois Automotive Trade Association.  He was a member in good standing of the American Legion Post 294, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and First United Methodist Church.  He somehow found time to referee high school football games as well as attend his sons’ football and basketball games and track meets, along with many epic fishing outings and card games.

Ken was an automobile dealer with Ford Motor Company until he and Joan moved to Vero Beach in 1983 where he was a manager at Velde Ford.  They enjoyed making wonderful new friends and, of course, played golf, tennis, and shared many a romantic dinner together.

Ken is survived by his wife Joan; his son Kenneth Gerald (Jayne) Davenport of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren Shawn (Michelle) Davenport and their children Ryan Christopher and Mary of Walworth, Wisconsin; Ryan (Colleen) Davenport and their children Miles, Grace, and Catherine of Vero Beach, Florida; Morgan Anne (née Davenport) Martinez and her children Mallory and Broden of Dallas, Texas; Joseph (Aubrey) Davenport and their children Atticus and Jude of Corbett, Oregon and Joseph’s son Rowan of Gallatin, Tennessee; Nathaniel of Portland, Oregon; and his brother Dennis “Denny” (Roberta) Davenport of North Aurora, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his son Douglas Leo Davenport of Morris, Illinois, and his sister Jacqueline “Jackie” Matney, of Mazon, Illinois.

In honor of his memory, contributions may be made to the VNA & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35^th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or www.vnatc.org.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.