Samuel R. Davenport

Samuel Ray “Sam” Davenport, 82, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born October 14, 1940, in Jellico, Tennessee, the son of Smith H. and Maude M. (Beams) Davenport.  He departed this life Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit surrounded by love and family.

Sam was a 1958 Pleasant View, Kentucky High School graduate later earning his bachelor’s degree from the Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri. 

He was a United States Army veteran and in 1960 he was transferred to Pleasant Hill to help set up the Nike Base east of town.

On May 10, 1959, he was united in marriage to Linda B. Gant in Pleasant View.  She preceded him in death on June 3, 2003.

Sam was employed as an Industrial Engineer for Western Electric in Lee’s Summit.  He was a member and Past Master of Jewel Lodge #480 A.F. & A.M. in Pleasant Hill and he was a Shriner.  He also played Bass Guitar with a local country music band.  He enjoyed golfing, fishing, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, and an ice-cold beer! 

Sam was also preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his dearest companion, Willa Dillon of Pleasant Hill; his daughter and son-in-law, Sherrie and Tony Davis of Maple Valley, Washington; two grandchildren, Nicole (and Scott) Purchase of Bellevue, Washington, and Aaron Davis of Maple Valley; two great grandchildren, Zoey Purchase and Willow Purchase; he was also close to Willa’s sons Scott (and Linda) Dillon and Steve Dillon; as well as several others he thought of as his grandchildren, Cheyanne Dillon, Tyler Petras, Chelsey Haines, Lindsey Gardner, Bella Hanes, Jacob Hanes, and Trinity Gardner; other relatives and friends.

Cremation has been accorded.

A memorial visitation was held Monday, May 8, 2023, at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Masonic Home of Missouri and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550