Garner, Davenport families unite at searcher's funeral

PAROWAN — One man died. A couple and their dog lived.

Their families — unexpectedly united by tragedy — and joy — came together this morning to honor that bond, pay tribute to the one who was lost and the pair who survived.

"That's what makes me at peace with it," said David Davenport, referring to the fact that Tom and Tamitha Garner and their dog were found alive, but that in the search process, his brother Leroy died.

The Davenport family and the Garners met up today at the Parowan 1st-2nd LDS Ward, where Leroy Davenport's Iron County search and rescue colleagues wore black stripes across their badges to attend his funeral, which began at 11 a.m.

"We're all in shock. My brother was young. It's very unexpected," David Davenport said. "He died an honorable death. His death was in service to others."

Leroy Davenport, 37, was among dozens of search and rescue volunteers from a multitude of agencies from three states participating in the protracted search for the Kearns couple, who disappeared Jan. 26 while looking to photograph wild horses along the Utah/Nevada border. Authorities say Leroy Davenport struggled to dig out his snowmobile that had been stuck, went home tired and never woke up.

The Garners were found just yesterday, taken to an area hospital and treated for frost bite. They were otherwise OK. Tamitha Garner retrieved their dog Medusa from an area animal shelter and headed back home to Kearns with some family members.

Tom Garner said he simply told his wife he had to go to the funeral.

"He deserves for us to be here."

Still, he admitted it was hard.

"I didn't have any words to try and console them. All I could do is express my sorrow, my condolences ... There's really nothing you can say to a person in that situation."

The service included an eulogy by the search and rescue worker's friend, Steve Decker.

Decker said Leroy loved doing search and rescue work and had aspired to get into law enforcement full time.

"Leroy was always ready and willing to serve ...He was a great man and will be missed."

Aside from his affinity for fishing, Decker said his friend was passionate about his wife, Tina, their dog Cocoa and rootbeer.

This morning, while waiting for the funeral to begin, Gerald Garner, Tom's father, said he had already met up with David Davenport.

"I laid awake last night wondering what I would say to the family. There are no words to describe the emotions."

He and his wife gave David Davenport big hugs.