John R. McClendon, Sr.

John Robert McClendon, Sr.
John Robert McClendon Sr., 74, resident of Magdalena, New Mexico, died Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at his home.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the Daniels Family Funeral Home Chapel, 309 Garfield Street, in Socorro, New Mexico.  Reverend Robert Woodruff of Albuquerque will officiate.  Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.  

John was born November 23, 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas.  His parents were Ward Austin McClendon and Francis Zilker McClendon of League City.  He attended Mount Carmel High School and remained in close contact with his friends from that time.  

John graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Physics and Astronomy.  Remarkably, his first job was with TRW who contracted with NASA to work on designing the interior of the Apollo 8 space capsule; the first manned mission to orbit the moon.  

John was a founding member of the Houston Old Boys Rugby Football Club.  He remained active in the sport throughout his life as a referee and coach of the Renegades in San Marcos, Texas.  

John traveled extensively in Europe, Mexico, United States, and of course Jamaica.  In Austin he formed a family band and started a business to employ and entertain his tribe.  He was an avid reader of history and philosophy.  He collected books and vinyl.  He enjoyed making Sunday dinner for everyone.  Many friends in Austin mourn his passing.  

For the past decade John worked with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at the site of the Very Large Array, west of Magdalena.  This was a meaningful way to fulfill his potential and he was proud to belong to that esteemed community.  

John is survived by his sister; Mary Rita, 3 children; John Robert Jr., Ronda Renee, and Sean Patrick; 4 grandchildren; Jessica, Rob, Aaron, and Chase; and one great-granddaughter; Brooke; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and extended family, including the mothers of his children; Jane Barber and Tyla Graves.

He is preceded in death by this parents, his brother Roy Louis, and recently his youngest son, Roy Lighfoot McClendon.  

To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield St
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530