Rex Douglas “Doug” Davenport

Rex Douglas "Doug" Davenport

John Lee Hooker

February 24, 1949 - May 5, 2025

Rex "Doug" Davenport, or John Lee Hooker as he was known to most, passed away Monday, May 5th early in the morning. A fitting time for a man who was always a very early bird. A beloved radio broadcaster and community member, he was generous with his time and contributions.

Doug was born in Bentonville, Ark. on February 24, 1949, to Quincy and Ada "Pat" Davenport (Beard) and grew up in Turner, Kan. where he also met his best friend Dave Stewart. He and Dave shared many adventures, including an attempt to drop out of high school and run away—an effort that ended when they ran out of gas at the Kansas-Colorado state line. He eventually graduated from Turner High School in 1967. After early jobs that included the Davis Paint Factory, he realized maybe labor wasn't a good fit for him and decided to attend the Career Academy School of Broadcasting in Kansas City, Mo. After graduation, his first job in radio was at KBRS in Springdale, Ark. thus beginning a somewhat nomadic early career. Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Joplin, Des Moines, Tulsa, and east Texas are among the many cities he graced his unique voice and honed his relatable and approachable on-air personality. Some notable radio names he used were: Brother Doug, Doug Dees, and "The Bionic" Spencer Davis before ultimately settling on John Lee Hooker in the late 70s. There were many call letters up and down the dial, including KFAY, KKEG, KISR, KIOA, KELI, KZOM.

The 80s brought him and his family to Topeka, Kan. to take over the morning show on V-100 FM. A small but competitive station soon grew more successful as his show became more and more popular. Hooker then took his talents to KMAJ Magic 107.7 in 1985 and partnered with Mike Manns for the next 33 years. They were joined by Louann Fulmer and Chris Gallagher throughout the years and the show became a staple in the community leading market ratings until his retirement in 2018. He could be heard at all hours of the day due to his numerous commercials and lead-in promotions. It should be known he had a remarkable talent for reading copy and could capture most in just one or two takes.

Hooker was an avid collector of sports memorabilia, mostly baseball cards. A lifelong fan of the game, his favorite team was the Kansas City Royals, and he had an encyclopedic recall of stats from the MLB. He also loved golf, KU sports, and the Kansas City Chiefs. A lifelong appreciation for music, especially rock-n-roll and soul, led to an impressive vinyl collection enjoyed by anyone he could get to listen. And although he would never admit it, he also loved dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents Quincy and "Pat", brother Page, sister Nancy, and her husband Charlie. He is survived by his sister Dolly, her husband Bill, and six children - Scott, Ryan, Abby, Danielle, Quinten, and Drew.

A public celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 31st at the Celtic Fox in Topeka from 4-6 p.m. All are welcome and encouraged to bring photos, KMAJ swag, and share memories with the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to First Tee - Greater Topeka. Checks can be mailed to First Tee - Greater Topeka, P.O. Box 4069, Topeka, KS 66604.  https://donate.stripe.com/aEUeXP9LzeKhcxi5l1