John A Davenport

John Alexander Davenport was born in Detroit Michigan on April 25, 1928. The youngest child of William “Burt” and Hazel Davenport. He lived through the Great Depression and had many experiences and stories to tell of his early life. He attended Cass Technical High School, with a focus on Commercial Art, and following graduation, moved to NYC to study at the Franklin Art School. Upon completion of his certificate, he returned home, and began work at J.L. Hudson’s Art Dept, until he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He spent his military time in Japan and served in the 1st Radio Broadcast and Leaflet Group.

He returned to Detroit, and met his future bride, Patricia Shirley Padgett at Metropolitan (United) Methodist Church, and they were married on December 19, 1953. They would have celebrated 68 years of wedded bliss this coming December 19th.

The fruit of their loins, as Dad often said, are Elizabeth, Martha, Thomas, and John. As a family, they traveled and camped around the country, visiting the great landmarks and national parks.

While working as a commercial artist in Detroit, John returned to school at Wayne State University. He earned Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees. After working for many years in the commercial art industry of Detroit, he became aware of a new start up, Oakland Community College. He was hired as an instructor and as his education continued, he rose through the faculty ranks. He eventually was the chair of the Humanities Dept. and has many colleagues that he considers his closest friends.

He was a lifelong member of Metropolitan United Methodist Church. His parents were charter members of the new church in Detroit, and John was baptized as an infant. His life has always been as an active Christian, and he was glad to teach the Confirmation Class at Metro for 25 years.

Art is his passion and vocation. Before his retirement, he had planned out many projects that he hoped to begin when he had more time in retirement. However, he started working on them before retirement and completed everything laid out! As a retired professor he now had more time to devote to creating mosaics, wood cuts, acrylic and oil painting, and three-dimensional carving. He started each day with a few hours in his studio until just recently, painting, drawing, carving or clipping tiles.

In retirement, John and Pat traveled to many places in the world through ElderHostel. China, the Middle East, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe, as well as many schools in the US.

He was a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and served as an officer.

Family is his most important treasure. Being the youngest brother, he was a fun uncle to Bob, Billy, Bruce & Peter, Mario, Margaret & Alice. He loved them all! Most holidays were spent with family and all of us cousins grew up together and celebrated life and fun, fun, fun! In more recent years, together with his wife, Pat, he loved nothing more than turning every gathering into a “party” when spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Burt and Hazel, his brothers Robert, William, Thomas, and infant sister Margaret.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, children Elizabeth, Martha (Jeff), Thomas (Elyse) and John (Dina), 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to plant a tree or a living plant, in a place to remember, and give thanks. Other donations may be to the Parchment United Methodist Church or given online at ParchmentUMC.org and follow the donate link.

A Celebration of Life will be on October 2, 2021 with Visitation at 10:00am followed by the Service at 11:00am at Parchment United Methodist Church, 225 Glendale Blvd, Parchment MI, 49004.

A luncheon will follow at the Fountains Banquet Center, 535 S. Riverview Drive, Parchment MI 49004