Mentor, innovator, leader, scholar, and all-around great guy are terms often used in reference to Tony Davenport. But the descriptions that were most important to this amazing life of 72 years were husband, dad, grandfather, and friend. He gave his professional talents to serve the city of Weatherford for 34 years as the Municipal Clerk and Treasurer. He gave his heart to his wonderful wife, Darla for 51 years, and was the best dad, supporter, coach and encourager for his children, Matthew, Megan, and Nathan.

Tony began his life on February 10, 1954, born to Joy Lo-Ann Tudor Davenport Caldwell and Loyd Wayne Davenport in Coalgate Oklahoma. The family moved to Dallas for the beginning years of his growing up and then returned to Coalgate when he was twelve. He found his roots once again and was active in his school, playing football as the starting running back. Tony came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age in Dallas and continued serving and participating in the church wherever he lived.

Tony graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant in 1975 with a degree in accounting, married Darla on August 3, 1974, and headed into the professional world. His high school accounting teacher gave him a recommendation to the city of Coalgate leadership who were looking for a clerk/treasurer. So, he became an employee of his hometown in 1977 as he learned the many responsibilities of vigilantly caring for a city's finances.

After five years of experience, the city of Weatherford reached out to him and the family relocated to Weatherford in 1982 where they have been an integral part of the community for forty-four years.

He was instrumental in editing and codifying Weatherford's city code, simplified the budget and accounting system, chaired the state Municipal Budget and Finance committee, and helped write legislation that undated municipal budget and finance laws.

He served as president of the Oklahoma Chapter of Municipal Treasurers, the Government Financial Officers Association of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Municipal Clerks, Treasurers and Finance Officers Association, served on the board of State of Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement system, chaired OSU Municipal Clerk Treasurer Certification Committee and was instrumental in creating the Training Handbook for Oklahoma Municipal Clerks, Treasurers and Finance Officers. And the list of honors and recognitions goes on.

Tony was recognized nationally as a leader and served on IIMC Board of Directors for clerks and the Association of Public Treasurers of the US and Canada where he served as president in 1992-1993. He received APT's highest award, the Phillips Award.

In 2003, Tony was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials, the highest award for a municipal employee that the state can bestow. He was instrumental in supporting the creation and construction and on-going support for the Stafford Air and Space Museum.

While Tony was busy with the duties of taking care of the city treasury and budgets as he served four different mayors and a wide variety of city officials, he was incredibly involved in his children's lives. Matthew, Megan, and Nathan were blessed by a dad who was there to coach, to teach, to play, and to introduce them to the best rock and roll music.

Tony and Darla were active members of the First Baptist Church and took immense pride in being wonderful grandparents for their eight grandchildren.

While battling Parkinson's Disease for many years, Tony showed undaunted determination and courage, and his quick wit and sense of humor was always present.

Tony leaves behind a loving family: wife Darla of 51 years, son Matthew Davenport and wife Jennifer with children Braden and Madelyn Card, daughter Megan Gateley and husband Dylan with children Lane and Maci Gateley and Jaxon Fredendall, son Nathan Davenport and wife Summer with children Brooklyn Kirk and husband Tyler, Canaan Read and Peyton Davenport, his fur baby, Max, and his extended family and a whole host of people who were lucky to call him friend.

Waiting to welcome him home in heaven will be Jesus and his parents Joy and Loyd.

To honor this important servant of our city and beloved husband, father and grandfather, a service of celebration and remembrance will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church with Ryan Ross and Earl Stephenson officiating. Services are under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home.

Tony's family will receive visitors on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Lockstone Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Tony's memory to the Oklahoma Parkinson's Alliance, 720 W. Wilshire Blvd., Suite 109, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 or online through the Oklahoma Parkinson's Alliance donation page Donate - Oklahoma Parkinson's Alliance.