Jerry Lynn Davenport

Jerry Lynn Davenport was born on September 14, 1948 in Wynnewood, OK to Wilburn and Lee Ollie (Dickson) Davenport and passed from this life on November 17, 2022 in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Jerry grew up and attended school at Wynnewood, graduating in 1966. With his parents’ permission, he joined the Marine Corp at the age of 17 while still in high school. After high school graduation, Jerry went to Camp Pendleton, California for Boot Camp as well as Advanced Infantry Training. He was assigned to Field Artillery as his MOS before leaving the U.S. for Vietnam, Southeast Asia in 1967 and serving with the 1 st Marine Infantry Division at Quang Tri and Hue. Jerry had many stories to tell about serving on the frontlines with his fellow soldiers on his beloved 155mm Howitzer Cannon. He was wounded during a battle near Hue in 1968, catching shrapnel in the head from a Viet Cong mortar attack. He received a Purple Heart as well as other medals and commendations. Jerry loved baseball with a passion, being a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. Jerry was gifted by God with the ability to throw a baseball what seemed like a country mile. Often during battles in Southeast Asia, Jerry would picture himself back home in Wynnewood playing baseball in the summertime with friends. He played with teams from Wynnewood during summer and with the Pauls Valley American Legion as well. Later, Jerry found great joy in coaching little league baseball. The time Jerry spent serving his country in Vietnam was the only thing more important to him than baseball. Following his service in the Marine Corp, Jerry worked for Tinker Air Force base painting aircraft, as well as working for Haliburton and various other jobs before joining the Dixon Construction crew. Jerry enjoyed working for Gay and Skip Dixon as a roustabout in the early days of the company. He was one of the company’s first hires and helped Dixon Construction become an important part of the oilfield and refining industry in Oklahoma. At times, you would think he was the CEO. Jerry’s patriotism would never fade. He joined the Oklahoma National Guard and served with the Field Artillery Unit from Pauls Valley. The military term “gun bunny” was the best term to describe Jerry. He attained the rank of Sargent First Class in the Guard, having his own cannon and crew. When going to summer camps, Jerry’s gun would always be the best at range fire, cleanliness, as well as breaking down and re-assembly. Jerry served with the Guard Unit in San Salvador, South America during the Iran Contra conflict. Jerry was a born again Christian, a true red-blooded patriot and a soldier’s soldier with a deep love for his country. Jerry was preceded in death by parents, Wilburn and Lee Ollie Davenport; two brothers, Wilburn Lee Davenport and Richard Davenport. He is survived by children Natasha Barnes and husband James of Pauls Valley, OK; son Perry Russell and wife Bambi of Cushing, OK, grandchildren Zane, Trace, Caitlyn, Hannah, Brooklee, Leah, and Kylee; brother Louis Davenport and wife Linda of Oklahoma City, OK; sister Linda McBride and husband Charles of Norman, OK; nieces LeeAnn, Lisa, and Gina; nephews Trent and Eric. Graveside services for Jerry Davenport will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 28, 2022 at Wynnewood’s Oaklawn Cemetery, under the direction of DeArman’s Funeral Home and officiated by David Johnson.

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Jerry Lynn Davenport

September 14, 1948 - November 17, 2022