Phil Dan McClendon, age 73, died Sunday, September 18, 2022, at Harris Hospital, following seven years of fighting Agent Orange-caused cancers.
Phil was born April 4, 1949, in Weatherford, Texas, to Alma Reldon Smith McClendon and Phillip Alson McClendon. He went to school in Peaster and Weatherford. Phil attended Weatherford College and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland.
After serving in the Vietnam War, Phil worked 30 years overseas as a Communications Officer for the U.S. Department of State. Phil traveled the world while stationed in England, India, Greece, Mexico, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire), Malawi, Djibouti, Costa Rica, and Peru. While stationed in Washington, D.C., Phil continued to work short-term assignments, supporting Presidential travel and other urgent situations in foreign countries.
Phil finally retired in 2000, and returned home to Texas in 2001 after his wife finished her assignment.
A farmer at heart, Phil returned to Peaster, and together with his wife, ran a successful cattle business. Phil helped to found, and was an active member of, the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Decatur, Texas.
Phil is survived by his wife, Jill C. Lundy McClendon of Weatherford; his daughter, Rhonda A. Hills (Harland), and their children Charlton and Marin of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters Judy Eidson (Jack) and children Nicole and Leigh, and Janet Curtis (Bob) and children Melissa and Rob, as well as many cousins and other relatives. He also leaves behind a host of wonderful friends.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Jonathan C. McClendon.
Visitation will be 4-6 pm, Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, October 3, 2022 at Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel, followed by interment at Peaster Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome, or a charitable donation to Wise Congregation building fund (his church, PO Box 21, Decatur, 76234) or Cancer Assistance Fund of North Texas (his treatment center, c/o CCBD, 920 Santa Fe Dr., Weatherford, TX 76086).
The Community News
September 30, 2022
