Melvin Russell Davenport passed away at the Dillon Living Center in Hutchinson on February 6, 2015. He was born in rural Chester, Nebraska on March 29, 1930 to Clay A. and Lela F. (Hazen) Davenport.

Melvin married Wanda Leigh Maphet on August 17, 1951 at Enid, Oklahoma.

He attended Phillips University in Enid and graduated from the University of Denver. He received his Master's Degree from Fort Hays State University. Melvin spent 37 years as an educator in Atwood, Glasco, and Concordia.

He is survived by his wife Wanda of the home, his four sons, Harlan (Barbara), Great Bend, Gary (Susan) Carbondale, Joel (Jeannette), Hutchinson, and Darren (Deborah), Nederland, CO; grandchildren: Douglas (Jennifer) McNett, Larned, Jennifer (Eric) Strecker, Towanda, Chris (Caley) Davenport, Topeka, William (Joy) Davenport, Topeka, Jonathan (Kara) Davenport, Carbondale, Joshua (Lexie) Davenport, Topeka, Carrie Davenport, Carbondale, Andrew Davenport, Carbondale, Ashlea Davenport, Louisville, KY, Tyler Davenport, Clovis, NM, Shelby Davenport, Grove City, PA, and Kate Davenport, Elgin, IL, 15 great grandchildren, brother Glenn (Estel) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Sisters, Jean (Wilbert) Crouse of Chester, NE, and Joan (John) Crouse of Topeka.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents.

Melvin's first love was farming on the family farm in the Chester, Nebraska area for most of his life. He was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, and volunteer.  Melvin recently was presented an award for 55 years of membership in Lions Club.  During his retirement years, he served on the Concordia Planning Commission for several years. Melvin enjoyed keeping up with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren, through Facebook.

Visitation will be held on February 9, 2015 from 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home with family greeting friends from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Graveside  services will be held at the Chester City Cemetery, Chester, NE. 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 10, 2015 followed by a memorial service at the First Christian Church, Concordia at 2:00pm, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.  Rev. Jeff Nielsen will be officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to NCK Teens for Christ or 1 ^st Christian Church c/o Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home.  For online condolences may be sent to www.chaputbuoy.com