John A. McClendon, Jr.

A man of few words, there is only one thing he wanted everyone to hear, “I loved my wife and daughter more than life itself”.

John, 79, was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on May 31, 1945. He passed away after a hard battle on October 6, 2024. He was a loving husband of over 28 years and loving father of four children.           

John was preceded in death by his father John McClendon Sr., mother Barbara Chadwick, his sister Marguerite Zimmer, brother Don Thompson, and his son Jerry Barnum.  John retired from the Navy after 23 years as an E-6 Petty Officer first class. He served four tours in Vietnam where he earned two purple hearts along with a variety of other awards. John’s primary duty was a cook, and his secondary job was a sniper. He was a Seabee attached to several units where he served in many places some of which are still classified.  When you ask him about his job, he had a few very humorous stories but mostly he would just say “I was good at my job”.  While still in the service, John attended culinary schools around the world.  He was even flown to Spain to cook one meal for the King of Spain. Once he retired, he became a cook and owner of several restaurants in Mississippi then moved back to Texas and became a husband, father, friend of many and had a small ranch.  John also was an Altar Boy at Beeville Episcopal Church as a child.  John is survived by his wife Dorthy, children John, Barbara, Stacey, his sister Debbie, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. 

Memorial services will be held at Oak Park Funeral home in Beeville, TX. on November 3rd at 1:00 p.m. His ashes will be spread at his favorite place to be, The Ranch at a later date. Please share your condolences at www.oakparkmemorial.com

OAK PARK MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL

BEEVILLE, TEXAS

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John A. McClendon, Jr., please visit our floral store.