Lambert “Bert” Dexter Davenport of Dexter, passed away at Birchwood Retreat in Chelsea on June 23, 2019. He was 87 years old.
Bert was born on March 1, 1932 to Dexter and Eleanor (Lambert) Davenport in Ann Arbor. Bert graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1949.
Upon graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Korean Conflict Era from 1950 to 1954. Bert served on the U.S.S. Coates (DE-685), and U.S.S Robert L. Wilson (DDE-847) as a Boiler Technician working in the boiler room, firing the engines. Bert was very proud of his service in the Navy and remained in contact with his former shipmates for many years.
After he was honorably discharged in the Spring of 1954, Bert began working at the University of Michigan Power Plant as a boiler, fireman and crane operator. While on the roof of the plant, he saw a lovely red-headed woman walking down the street. He was determined to meet this woman and with the help of a waitress at a neighboring coffee shop, he did.
Bert and Betty Mae Elliot were married on July 14, 1956 at Bethlehem U.C.C. Church in Ann Arbor and moved to Dexter. In 1956, he was hired as a service repairman for Michigan Consolidated Gas Company. He retired from there in 1994 after 37½ years of employment.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ, Dexter, the Rev. Charles Bigelow officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Dexter. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service.
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LaVerne “Jake” Chester Leonard, age 96, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
He was born Aug. 8, 1922 in Saline, Michigan, the son of Chester and Marie (Vedder) Leonard. LaVerne was a farmer most of his life. He loved fishing, playing horseshoes, and making stained glass.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 13, 1 p.m. at Main Street Church, 320 N. Main Street in Chelsea, with Pastor Mark Murphy officiating.
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