Samuel "Sam" Ernest Davenport

Samuel "Sam" Ernest Davenport Wheeler, Michigan 

Loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024. Sam was born in Saginaw, Michigan on November 17th, 1945, to the late Samuel and Anna (Pauli) Davenport. He grew up in Zilwaukee, MI, and graduated from St. Andrew's High School in 1963. On August 6th, 1966, he married the love of his life, Marlene Golz; she survives him. Sam was a tool and die maker and built a family farm with his wife and 5 children. As a tool and die maker, he was able to build any part for anyone who came to him in need. Sam loved working with numbers. He enjoyed farming, teaching his children how-to pick-up rocks, hoe and sickle weeds, and raise animals, which helped build them into the wonderful hardworking children they are today. Sam enjoyed the many years of attending his children's, and grandchildren's sporting events, 4-H, FFA, and many other school activities. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and a lifetime member with Knights of Columbus Council 2291. Sam loved to hunt, fish, play cards, bowling, and spend time at his cabin in Engadine. He was very proud of every one of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and many times their accomplishments brought a tear to his eye. 

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marlene; five children: Renee (George) Herrington, Keith (Kristin) Davenport, Sammy (Jill) Davenport, Rebecca (Ray) LaFrance, and Juston (Melanie) Davenport; 15 grandchildren; and two great grandchildren with one on the way in March. 

Sam was preceded in death by a son Bryan Joseph, parents, and siblings. 

We would like to send a special THANK YOU to Covenant and Schnepps and a VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to My Michigan medical center, Alma for all the love and care they provided to Sam, and the family.

 A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024, at St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 419 S. Midland Street, Merrill, Michigan, 48637. Rev. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp S.J. will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 1:00 p.m., with a lunch to follow the burial. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Knights of Columbus Council 2291, American Cancer Society, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.