Merritt M. Davenpoirt

Merritt M. Davenport, 95, of North Little Rock, passed away at home, Wednesday, November 6, 2013. He was born in Fort Smith, Ark. to the late Albert and Bess Morris Davenport. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gladys D. Davenport; grandson, Brian Davenport; sister, Fleetwood Neal and brother, Edgar M. Davenport. He graduated from Fort Smith High School January 1935 and was Drum Major of the Fort Smith High School Band in 1934 and Drum Major of the first Fort Smith Junior College Band in 1935. He played French Horn in the Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra and directed the Allen Hudson Dance Orchestra. Music was a big part of his life. Merritt served as Staff Sergeant in the European Theater in WWII from Omaha Beach, liberation of Paris, Battle of the Bulge, and ending in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. He was awarded five Bronze Stars. Merritt was a member and Past Elder of Park Hill Presbyterian Church, Optimist Club of Greater Little Rock, serving as president in 1957 and Past President of North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce 1967. He was the former owner/operator of Warehouse Liquor Markets. He is survived by his son, Ted Davenport (Belinda) of North Little Rock; a daughter, Terry Holman (Keith) of Longview, Texas; four grandchildren Brad Holman, Blake Holman, Jason Davenport and Kimberly Davenport; two great-grandchildren, Morgan and Brian Davenport; and a host of other family and friends. Graveside will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Pinecrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2013 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 (501-791-7400). The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Park Hill Presbyterian Church, 3520 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 or Optimist Club of Greater Little Rock, 119 East Third Street, Suite 200, Little Rock, Ark. 72201. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.