Bobby Don Deavenport

Bobby Don "Bob" Deavenport was born May 1, 1928 to Perry Brown and Sybil Barker Deavenport in Marlow, Oklahoma. He died at Midland Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, March 9, 2004. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Stanton, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 12, with Rev. Gene Weinette, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Stanton. Bob moved with his family to Martin County in 1937, graduated from Courtney High School in 1944 and attended Texas Tech before serving in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II in the Philipines. He was discharged in 1947 and returned to Martin County where he married Dorothy Renfro on February 14, 1950. He lived in Martin County for the remainder of his life as owner-operator for the family clothing store until 1974 and then as Martin County Farm Bureau agent. In 1981 he was appointed Martin County Judge, elected to the office in 1982 and served for 18 years. He officially retired in 1988 but continued to work as administrator for the Martin County Community Fund (MCCF) as a volunteer. Judge Deavenport's contributions as a public servant to his country and community are lengthy. In his position with MCCF, he was responsible for coordinating the county Food Bank, which assists over 200 families each week with their food and household needs. Under his leadership, the Christmas Cheer Program and Community Aid Program are now part of the MCCF. Services include Christmas dinner and toys for the children, Thanksgiving dinners, assistance with utility and prescription costs and school supplies for qualifying individuals. As volunteer coordinator for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in three counties-Martin, Glasscock, and Borden?Bob Deavenport assisted in registering over 300 children for health insurance. He was active with the Stoeger-Estes post of the American Legion for over 50 years and served as Adjutant for 18 years. He was involved with the planning of Memorial Day services for 51 years in Martin County. Active in the Boy Scouts of America, he served 28 years as Scoutmaster, Troup and District Committeeman and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award from the Buffalo Trail Council in 1995. His community youth work also included serving 6 years as little League Commissioner coordinating efforts to build the George Shelburne Little League Park and Tommy Walker Field. He was also instrumental in developing the Stanton Summer Recreation Program and raising funds through the Buffalo Booster Club to underwrite much of the costs to build the field house at Buffalo Stadium. Within the community, Bob Deavenport served on the Stanton City Council for six years, was director and president of the Martin County Chamber of Commerce and a charter director and president of the Martin County Industrial Foundation. He served as American Red Cross Chairman for 26 years and on the Old Settlers Finance Committee for 28 years. Bob Deavenport was a member and officer of both the Stanton Lions Evening and Noon Clubs and Salvation Army board, and was recognized with a Community Builder Award in 1997 from the Stanton Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Stanton. Judge Deavenport was a very active member of the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission and led state and national initiatives to sustain the ability of small, rural communities to operate their own solid waste programs. He was appointed by four Texas governors to serve on the Community Block Grant Committee?the longest tenure of any member. His recent awards include: Permian Pioneer Award, presented April 26, 2003 from the Permian Historical Society, Buffalo Booster of the Year 2001-2002, Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission Appreciation 2000, Martin County Chamber of Commerce appreciation 1999, Texas Water Commission Appreciation 1999, and his inclusion as one of ten members of "The-Greatest Generation of Texans" in 2002, an award co-sponsored by Southwest Airlines and Texas Monthly magazine. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John Twyman Deavenport of San Diego, and two sisters, Winifred Connell of Dallas and Irene Murfee of Merkel. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy Deavenport of Stanton; a daughter, Pug Parris and her husband, Rickey, of Abilene; a son Tommy Deavenport and his wife, Gayle, of Austin; one grandson, Brad Parris and his wife, Corissa, of Abilene, and three granddaughters, Kelli Deavenport, Lauren Deavenport, and Katie Deavenport all of Austin. Bob Deavenport is also survived by a sister-in-law, Joyce Deavenport of San Diego, California, several nieces and nephews, many friendly people and a few old soreheads. The family will receive friends from 7 PM to 8:30 PM, Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Bob & Dorothy Deavenport Scholarship Fund of the Permian Basin Area Foundation, 550 West Texas, Suite 1260, Midland, Texas 79701 or to a favorite charity. Arrangements under the direction of Gilbreath Funeral Home of Stanton. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,