TONTITOWN — Joe Dean Davenport, Sr.,

of Tontitown was born on August 11, 1936, to John Luther Davenport and Myrtle Mae Dunaway Davenport at Pinnacle Mountain, Elkins, Ark. He was 87 years, one month, and 18 days when he went to be with his Lord and Savior.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lola May Evans Davenport of the home; two sons, Joe Dean Davenport II and wife Dorie of Siloam Springs, and Jarvis William Davenport (Erin) of Tontitown; two daughters, Deana Kay Doshier and late husband J.D. of Elkins, and Diane Karol Sachs, of Elm Springs. He is also survived by three stepsons, James Floyd Cornelison (Debbie) of Springdale, Jerry Loyd Cornelison (Annette), and Johnny Scott Cornelison (Tina), both of Hindsville; and one stepdaughter-in-law, Cindy Cornelison. He is also survived by one brother, John William (Bill) Davenport; and one sister, Faye Filbeck.

He had eight grandchildren, Jason Sachs (Jenny), Jennifer Lowrey, Josh Scott, Joe Dean (Tripp) Davenport III, John Tyler (Ty) Davenport, Kya DeZurik, Jade DeZurik and Harper Main. He had seven great-grandchildren, Jordan Holloway, Jasmine Scott, Jericho Lowrey, Noah Scott, Luke Scott, Grant Sachs, and Reece Sachs; one great-great-grandson, Perseus Hingle. He also had 12 step-grandchildren; and 16 step-great-grandchildren. He had many other nieces, nephews, and extended family that he loved very much.

He was preceded in death by both parents; two brothers, James (Jim) Davenport and Jerry Davenport; four sisters, Ellen Ledbetter, Lois Cordell, Sarah Mildred Mitchell, and Floy (Lea) Williams; and one stepson, Jeffrey Lynn Cornelison.

Joe was a beloved husband, father, and Papa. He was the family’s hero and truly the bravest and strongest man that we have ever known. Joe was a man of God. He joined Faith Regular Baptist Church

of Pinnacle Mountain in 1954 and was a member of Faith Regular Baptist Church of Elm Springs since 1976. He moved his growing family to Tontitown in April of 1977, where they remained. He was passionate about many things but his family was always the thing that he was proud of and loved the most.

Joe began working at an early age helping his father logging and skidding timber out by horse and mule. He started his career at Campbell Soup in Fayetteville, where he worked for many years. During the evenings while working there he ran his poultry and cattle farm. In 1976 he became self-employed. He became a knowledgeable poultry and cattle farmer who many others would seek advice from.

He was a licensed auctioneer, selling livestock for many years before starting his own auction company. He was a wood worker, electrician, plumber, veterinarian, or any other trade he needed to be to get the job done. He started a hay business in the mid-1980s because someone didn’t get his hay baled before it got rained on.

He enjoyed watching old Westerns, Razorback football and basketball, cattle auctions, and gospel singing. He looked forward to taking several trips a day to go out for a drive in the field to check on his cows. He could visit, or shoot the bull as he would say, with anyone and told the best stories. He was funny and quick-witted. The person he loved the most was his wife. They spent most of their time side by side. He can now rest in the arms of Jesus after his brave and hard-fought battle.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 3rd, from 5-7 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Avenue, Springdale, Ark. 72762. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 4th, at 10 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 217 S Elm Springs Rd., Springdale, Ark., with Pastors Larry Mitchell and Derry Birdsong officiating. Burial will follow at Colbaugh Cemetery, Hindsville, Ark., under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home.

Donations can be made to Faith Baptist Church of Elm Springs.

Pallbearers are Joe Dean Davenport II, Jarvis Davenport, Tripp Davenport, Jason Sachs, John Tyler Davenport, Josh Scott, and Michael Ferguson.

Honorary pallbearers are Floyd Cornelison, Jerry Cornelison, and Johnny Cornelison.