David N. Davenport

RICHMOND, Ind. - David N. Davenport, age 86, passed away on January 17, 2012, at Friends Fellowship Community after a courageous struggle against the effects of a major stroke in 2005 and subsequent health issues. He was born September 27, 1925, in Richmond, the son of Myron and Helen Neff Davenport. A native of Richmond, David was a 1943 graduate of Richmond High School. David was a U.S. Army veteran. He received his bachelor of music education degree in 1949 and his master of music education degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 1955. He served as director of choral music in Seymour, Indiana, and Cicero, Illinois, before becoming choral director at Richmond High School from 1956-1974. David was also director of the Indiana University East Community Chorus, director of the Indiana University East Singers and an adjunct faculty member at IU East. David was a dedicated church choir musician who lead church choirs for more than 40 years. He served as choral director at First Friends Meeting on two different occasions and as choral director at First Presbyterian Church from 1966-1985. During his tenure at Richmond High School, he established Richmond Music Press, Inc. In that capacity he was a composer, arranger, and publisher for more than 300 choral compositions. His composition, The Everliving God, was performed on Easter Sunday in 1963 at the Hollywood Bowl. David was the guest conductor for the Redondo Beach High School Choir at Disneyland in 1963. He also served as director of music for three Richmond Civic Theatre musicals. In 1991 he was the guest conductor and composer of the commission work Pearl of Great Price at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 1999 he sold Richmond Music Press to Lorenz Music Corporation in Dayton, Ohio, and continued to write sacred music until 2005. In recognition of his numerous musical accomplishments, then Richmond Mayor Shelley Miller proclaimed it David N. Davenport Day on November 2, 2002. The combined choirs of First Presbyterian Church, First Friends Meeting, First English Lutheran Church, and the Catholic Community presented a concert at St. Mary Catholic Church composed entirely of Davenport compositions. Shortly after 9/11, David wrote two compositions in recognition of this tragic time in our history. On the tenth anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday, September 11, 2011, his composition, Patriot Look to the Flag, was performed by the First Presbyterian Church choir. During his tenure at Indiana University, David was a member of the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers and in 1992 was the recipient of the Outstanding IU Singing Hoosier Alumni Award. In 2000 he was recognized by the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers Council as a 50-Year Member of the Singing Hoosiers. In 2009 he was recognized for his contributions as a 50-Year Charter Member of the American Choral Directors Association. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and a life member of the IU Alumni Association. David is survived by his wife, Bette Groves Davenport, to whom he was married in September 1979; son, Theodore D. Davenport (Debbie) of Winchester; daughter, Debbie Trenor (Curtis) of Walnut Creek, California; step-daughter, Gayle Washburn (Gary Tipton) of St. Petersburg, Florida; step-son, Thomas E. Washburn (Rae Ann) of Kansas City, Missouri; granddaughters, Kiera Landess (Rod) of Richmond, and Julie Biles (Jeff) of Davis, Florida; grandsons, Kirk Davis (Heather) of Greenfield and Cory Davis of Virginia; and step-grandchildren, Delaney Rae Washburn and Ryan Washburn of Kansas City, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Jeffrey, and Kaitlyn Biles of Davis, Florida; nieces including favorite niece, Sara Davenport of Chicago, Illinois; nephews including Dr. James Davenport of Long Island, New York; and sister-in-law, Jean Davenport of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Myron J. Davenport Jr.; and sister, Mildred Bond. Visitation for David N. Davenport will be from 2 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 2012, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church, 100 North 10th St., Richmond, with Pastor David H. Layman and Pastor John Hollis officiating. Burial will be in Elkhorn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Program at First Presbyterian Church, 100 North 10th Street, Richmond, IN 47374, or the Bette G. Davenport Scholarship Fund, Indiana University Foundation, P. O. Box 500, Bloomington, IN 47402. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com

David N. Davenport

September 27, 1925 - January 17, 2012