Thank You For Your Service!

Max Jerrel McClendon

February 15, 1928 ~ April 2, 2017

© Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home

Submitted by: Becky Rodgers

Born Max Jerrel McClendon February 15, 1928 near Healdton, Oklahoma.

Parents: Rubie Adelia (Cahill) and William R. McClendon. Died Sunday, April 2, 2017 at his home in Durant, Oklahoma. He was 89.

Married Bozetta Rae (Jonnie) Jones in Oklahoma City June 6, 1959.

Max is survived by his wife, Jonnie, of the home, Children: Marc McClendon, Denison, Texas, Scott McClendon and wife Heather, Severy, Kansas, and Myna Laughlin and husband Tim, Durant. Grandchildren: William Max, Macy Adelia, Megan Ashlee and Molly Autumn McClendon and Timothy Clay, Derek Wade and Brandi Marie Laughlin and two Great Grandchildren Dietrich Wade and Kristoph Burhardt Laughlin. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Icavella Louise George, and a brother, James Dale.

He Graduated from Dundee High School May 16, 1946. Bachelor of Arts degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University January 1952. Served in the United States Air Force Security Service 1952-56. Taught mathematics and art in the Ardmore Public Schools 1956-64.

Master of Science Degree from North Texas State University August 1964
Graduate study at Oklahoma University, San Diego State University, and North Texas State University.
Assistant Professor of Art Southeastern Oklahoma State University 1964-88
SOSU Century club member
Life member of the Oklahoma Education Association
Life member of National Education Association
Life member Southeastern Oklahoma State University Alumni Association
President of the Oklahoma Art Education Association 1971 and 1972
Director of SOSU Parson Scholars 1978-1989
Director Oklahoma Young Talent 1963-75
Outstanding Educators of America 1974
Personalities of the South 1971 and 1972
Kiwanian of the year 1968
Secretary Durant Kiwanis Club 1968-70 and 1977-78
District Secretary Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis International 1970-71
President Durant Kiwanis Club 1971-72
Deacon First Baptist Church, Durant, Teacher Men’s Bible Class 1968-82
Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 618 1971-77
National Art Education Association Oklahoma Art Educator of the Year 1985
Governors Arts Award (George Nigh) 1986
Southeastern Oklahoma State University Distinguished Retired Faculty Award 1996 Durant Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year 1996
Kiwanis International George F. Hixon Fellow 1997
Kiwanis International Walter Zeller Fellow 2014
Durant Chamber of commerce Hall of Fame 2012.

Family hour will be from 7:00 PM-8:00 PM Wednesday April 5th at the Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home. A church service will be held in the First Baptist Church at 10:00 AM Thursday April 6th with the Reverend James Robinson presiding. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery. Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home attending. Pallbearers will be Henry Gold, Ernest Sturch, Bob Engles, J C Curtis, Don Glenn, Tony Robinson, Larry Minks, Keith Baxter and Merle Soltis

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Max McClendon Scholarship Fund, Southeastern Oklahoma State University Foundation, 1405 N 4th, PMB Durant, OK 74701-0609

Family and friends may send online condolences and view tributes at www.holmescoffeymurray.com .

Services are under the direction of Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Oklahoma.

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