John Bertley McClendon, of Crocker, was born on March 31, 1940, in Pulaski County, a son of Clarence and Mabel (King) McClendon, and departed this life at 5:55 a.m., Friday, December 21, 2012, in the Select Specialty Hospital, Springfield, following a brief illness. Mr. McClendon had attained the age of 72 years, 8 months and 20 days.

Mr. McClendon was united in marriage on October 28, 1960, at Miami, Oklahoma, to Wanda Lee Presley and they were blessed with two children. He was preceded in death by his wife on September 9, 2008; a daughter, Kimberly McClendon; his father and mother on September 30, 1987; one brother, Dennis McClendon and four sisters, Alpha Admire, Eunice Stauffer, Rose Mary Prewett and Zelma Kennedy.

Mr. McClendon was a member of the Crocker Christian Church and had retired from Missouri Department of Transportation. He enjoyed working on small engines and fishing. His two granddaughters were the light of his life and they thought he was the best Papa in the whole wide world.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. McClendon include: his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Deborah McClendon, Saginaw, Michigan; his two granddaughters, Keira and Lainey McClendon; one brother, Bill McClendon, Richland; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. McClendon at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, December 23, 2012, in the Crocker Christian Church with Bro. Larry Richardson officiating. Two special selections of "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Peace in the Valley" were sung for the service.

Interment was in the Crocker Public Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker. Elders and Deacons of the church served as pallbearers for Mr. McClendon. Honorary pallbearer was Benny Brown.