M.E. "Gene" McClendon

M.E. “Gene” McClendon, 101, of Amarillo and formerly of Pampa, passed away on May 8, 2024, in Amarillo.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with retired Baptist minister, Rev. Norman Rushing, officiating and retired Baptist minister, Rev. Rick Parnell, assisting. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Gene was born on August 16, 1922 at the Foot Ranch in Hamilton County to Roland and Addie McClendon. At the age of 14, Gene found Jesus Christ and was born again.  In 1942, Gene enlisted into the Army Air Force and proudly served his country during the Second World War. During his service he found the love of his life Helen Hampton and they were married on March 10, 1946, in Pearl. In the spring of 1947 Gene and his family moved to Pampa.

Shortly after moving to Pampa, Gene joined Central Baptist Church where he became a Sunday school teacher for over 60 years and a deacon for 59 years. In 2012, he moved to Plum Creek Place in Amarillo where he continued to teach Sunday School. Gene would also play the guitar and lead the sing a long for Plum Creek Place. 

Gene was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He worked hard so he could provide for his family. Gene was loving, kind, compassionate, and a joy to be around. He loved to fish and to take his fifth wheel traveling with Helen. Gene loved the word of God and always kept the bible close. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Addie McClendon; wife, Helen McClendon; sister, Syble Mayberry, Bertha Marie Roam, Rolene Ficklin; brothers, Ralph McClendon, Richard McClendon, H.N. McClendon; daughter-in-law, Judy McClendon; and great-granddaughter, Wynrie Knox McClendon.

Gene is survived by his sons, Richard McClendon of Amarillo, Roy McClendon and wife Sheryl of Abilene; daughters, Helen Fox and husband Cliff of Fritch, Ruth Baker and husband Kerry of Amarillo; nine grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be sent to a church or charity of your choosing.