Rodney Bell Davenport, 89, of Warsaw, passed away at 9:45 p.m. April 24, 2013, in his Irish Lake home, surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 24, 1923, in Los Angeles, Calif., and was the youngest child of Fred and Muriel White Davenport’s three children. On Oct. 16, 1948, in South Bend, he married Wilma Edna Thomas, who preceded him in death in 2009. In 1957, Wilma and Rodney made a cottage on Irish Lake their permanent residence. He served in 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. Westmoreland 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 and Wilma were the proud parents of 12 children: David Davenport, Bloomington; Rebecca Taylor, Berea, Ky.; Christie Davenport, Siobhan Davenport and Mary Hurley, all of Warsaw; Ray Davenport and Anne Mynhier, both of South Whitley; Bridget Davenport, Indianapolis; Clare Gilmore, Portland, Texas; Kelly Davenport (and spouse Thomas Delaney), Columbia City; Stephanie (and spouse David) Clements, Kirklin; and Elizabeth (and spouse Thomas) Stonecypher, West Columbia, S.C. In addition, they were the grandparents of 34, and great-grandparents of 40. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Lueane Davenport Wait and Gilbert Davenport; and three great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. A private burial will be held at a later date. Calling is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. ***** Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
