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1938
2016
Native Durangoan, Phillip Ray McClendon, died December 22, 2016 at the age of 78. His four daughters say their lives were enriched by knowing this kind and thoughtful man with a surprising sense of humor. They also learned about honesty, responsibility and taking care of family from him.
Phil was born July 16, 1938 in Animas City, Colorado to Raymond Ross and Rebecca Wade McClendon. He had 2 living older half siblings, George "Giggs" Wade and Hazel Blackmore. The family ranched on Cherry Creek, southwest of Durango.
Phil graduated from Durango High School, then attended 2 years at Fort Lewis Junior College. He worked for Kimball Wholesale Grocery Company in Santa Fe, NM. When Fort Lewis became a 4 year college, Phil moved his family back to Durango and completed his degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting.
While attending high school, Phil met Rockie Carolyn Clark and they were married March 5, 1958. Together they raised 4 daughters, Dawn, Robin, Sharon and Rhonda. They had a son as well, who died shortly after birth.
In 1970, Phil started his own CPA firm in Durango and later expanded to a second office in Pagosa Springs, CO. He also was a member of the Pagosa Springs Rotary Club, The Colorado Society of CPA's, The Region 9 Economic Development District, The Animas Fire District and treasurer of the Durango Elk's Club. Phil was also active in all the Square Dance Clubs of the Four Corners Area.
Rockie passed away after more than 25 years of marriage. Several years later he met Joyce Burton and they married August 2, 2003. They enjoyed travelling to many distant lands before Phil became disabled from Parkinson's disease.
Phil leaves behind his wife Joyce, his 4 daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
There will be a memorial service at the Calvary Presbyterian Church of the Pine River in Bayfield at 11am on Saturday, January 21, 2017. Any memorial donations can be made to further the research on Parkinson's disease.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
Aloha Dad, Your spirit is the light that shows me integrity.
I miss you.
Love, Dawn
Dawn Cantrell
December 31, 2016
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1,2) With heartfelt sympathy.
CW
December 30, 2016
This fine gentleman was ever at the ready to answer my qustions when he helped me launch my first business in Durango and Pagosa 44 years ago. I will always be grateful. RIP
Roger Candelaria
December 30, 2016
Such a nice man who helped my parents when they needed to make financial decisions in the last years of their life. We appreciate his sympathetic and honest approach to make sure all was as desired. Rest in peace.
Ollie Powers
December 29, 2016
My condolences in your passing. I have known you all my life, but since I lived in Ariz. did not see you very much. My family usually usually traveled to Durango during the Spanish Trails Fiesta and at Thanksgiving. Remember riding yor horse Lil Bit and drinking your moms homemade rootbeer stored in the well house on Cherry Creek. Then visited at Grampa Craig's in Durango where you and your mom lived out back near the garden while you were in town for the winter for school. I am the son of Roy Wade the brother of your mom.God bless your family. Willard Wade, La Quinta Ca 92253
Willard Wade
December 28, 2016
So sorry for your loss.
Denise Griggs
December 28, 2016
I am with heavy heart to hear that your dad has passed away. I have a lot of fond memories of Phil, Rockie and family as they were pretty much a 2nd set of parents to me as I spent a lot of my younger life with daughter Robin. Prayers are with you girls.
Jill Golder-O'Rand
December 27, 2016
I knew Phil through his wife Joyce, and I wish to express my deepest sympathy to her. I'm so happy she and Phil enjoyed the wonderful years together they did, before his illness became insurmountable. Even then, Joyce always took the best care of Phil to keep him comfortable and helped him maintain his dignity.
Allie Mifflin
December 26, 2016
Through the years, Phil remained helpful and caring to his Durango High School classmates. All who knew him appreciated his honesty, his capability, and his wonderful understated sense of humor.
Anne Putnam
Anne Putnam
December 25, 2016
I always remembered the fun we had on the ranch when I was 10 years old. You are all in our prayers. <3
Cheryl Todd
December 24, 2016
I am sad to hear that Phil has left this earth. I married his nephew,Butch (to the family) in 1975, and met Phil not too long afterward. He was a true gentleman, and had an amazingly dry sense of humor that always surprised. He was so kind and gentle, and the few times I got to visit with him were memorable. When we visited at his house, it was always such a good time. He was always hospitable and welcoming. Thank you, Phil, for being you.
Linda Blackmore
December 24, 2016
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