Ralph McClendon, beloved husband and companion, father and grandfather passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2012. His parents, Arthur and Blanche predeceased him as did his siblings, Betty Cook, and Carl and Charles McClendon.
Ralph McClendon, 75, of Mountain City, was born July 17, 1937, in Austin. He delighted in his family: his wife, LaVerne Schwartz McClendon, and four children, Deborah Lyn and Les Record; Sandra Faye and Douglas Todd Henry; Ralph Odell, Jr. and Marcia; Russell Alan and Cristie McClendon. He had twenty-one grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren: Avery and Trenten Lowe, Ethan Bracamonte and Martina Wende, Kimber McClendon, Noah and Sarah Ghormley, Alexandra Potter, and Paige, Mandy, and Hudson Glace.
Ralph grew up in South Austin and was a member of the second graduating class from Wm.B.Travis in 1955. There he met his future wife, LaVerne Schwartz, whom he married in 1956.
He worked at a gas station during high school, then as a truck driver, getting his license when he was 14 years old. He was an apprentice electrician until he turned 21 when he qualified to join the Texas Department of Public Safety to become a Highway Patrolman (State Trooper). He served 35 years in stations at Cuero, Edna, and finally San Marcos for 28 of those years. He earned his degree in Criminal Justice from Southwest Texas State University while working full time. He achieved the rank of Corporal in the San Marcos Office. After he retired in 1993, he maintained contact with DPS as a Special Ranger. He worked as a bailiff for Hays County Court-at-Law until 2001 when he retired from that job.
When he was younger, he took the family on camping trips to many places and acted as a Boy Scout Leader. Ralph loved to hunt and fish.
Ralph was a skilled woodworker who made and repaired many items over the years. He made heirloom cradles for his grandchildren, spending many hours on them.
While he was confined by surgery one year, he learned to crochet and completed more than ten colorful afghans which he gave to friends, his children, and grandchildren.
In 1997 Ralph became a volunteer usher at the UT Performing Arts Center and the Paramount Theatre. When the Long Center opened, he was one of the first volunteer ushers. Over the years he enjoyed meeting many people and seeing many wonderful shows.
Ralph will be missed by his extended family and the many friends he made over the years.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle, with Brother Jeff English officiating. Masonic and DPS Honors were held at San Marcos City Cemetery after the funeral.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Kyle Building Program www.fbckyle.com (512-268-3511) or the American Cancer Society.
