Rodney Bell Davenport
Rodney Bell Davenport, 89, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away at 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, in his Irish Lake home, surrounded by his family.
Rodney was born on Nov. 24, 1923, in Los Angeles, Calif., and was the youngest child of Fred and Muriel (White) Davenport’s three children. Rodney married Wilma Edna Thomas on Oct. 16, 1948, in South Bend, Ind.
In 1957, Wilma and Rodney made a cottage on Irish Lake their permanent residence. Wilma preceded Rodney in death in 2009.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater as the commander of the U.S.S. Kopara and as the Executive Officer of the U.S.S. West Moreland APA-104. He was a graduate of the University of Southern California.
He held several patents and was manager of Whirlpool’s Kenmore Home Appliance division during his distinguished engineering career. He retired from Whirlpool Corporation in 1984.
He was a passionate gardener, a voracious reader and a life-long learner. His children are grateful that his long retirement made it possible for him to pursue these hobbies.
Rodney is survived by 12 children: David Davenport, Bloomington, Ind.; Rebecca Taylor, Berea, Ky.; Christie Davenport, Warsaw; Ray Davenport, South Whitley, Ind.; Bridget Davenport, Indianapolis, Ind.; Mary Hurley, Warsaw; Anne Mynhier, South Whitley; Clare Gilmore, Portland, Texas; Siobhan Davenport, Warsaw; Kelly Davenport (Thomas Delaney), Columbia City, Ind.; Stephanie (David) Clements, Kirklin, Ind.; and Elizabeth (Thomas) Stonecypher, West Columbia, S.C.; 34 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Lueane Davenport Wait and Gilbert Davenport; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Rd., Warsaw. The funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at a later date.