Larry William McLendon

Larry William McLendon was born in Alvin, Texas the 22nd of October 1947. He is the son of the late William Bryan McLendon and Mary Alice Northen originally of Longview, Texas. Larry was raised on a small farm with his older brother Mike & and younger brother Allan, and dear sister Jane McLendon Edwards. Jane cared for her brother in his final days alongside Larry’s wife of 31 years, Hilda Mae “Jackie” McLendon… who he lovingly called “Baby cakes.”

Larry was a 1965 graduate of Alvin High School and moved the following year to attend the University of Texas at Austin. He then attended the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Academy and worked subsequently as a Texas Trooper, in Canyon, Texas, where he also earned his Bachelor’s at West Texas State University.

Larry had four of the sweetest, smartest and talented children imaginable. Carl McLendon and Matthew McLendon (deceased) were Larry’s oldest sons, and Heather McLendon Hart is his oldest daughter from his marriage to Bonnie Vaughn Hartford.

Larry and Jackie were parents in later years to their “miracle babies,” his youngest son, Jonathan Lane McLendon and youngest daughter, Hannah Beth McLendon.

Larry was a proud Grandpa to Matthew, Bailey, Allyson, Lauren Mae, William, & Braeden. He was a loving uncle to several nieces and nephews, and was adored by them all.

Larry was a lifetime law enforcement officer and served our country well throughout his career. After his time as a Texas DPS Trooper, Larry was a Texas DPS Undercover Narcotics Agent, DEA Undercover Narcotics Agent, all while residing in Austin.

He then went to Houston, Texas and worked as a Special Investigator for Harris County DA. He later began working with the Department of Home Land Security, eventually moving to Rusk, Texas and then continued on in his career as ICE Intelligence Agent, transferring back to Austin once again and was stationed at the Department of Public Safety Campus where he originally attended Highway Patrol School in his younger years.

Larry was led to follow Jesus Christ and devoted his life to him on October 31, 1983. He was a member during his lifetime of Hilltop Baptist Temple in Cedar Park, TX. He then went on to continue to serve in the ministries of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Houston and First Baptist Church in Rusk. He then joined Hyde Park Baptist Church where he served as a member until his death.

Larry had many pursuits and passions in this lifetime. He enjoyed music and played both guitar and piano and sang with a voice that sounded golden. Larry shared his love of music in the church and with his family through the years and it brought him great joy. He enjoyed numerous campouts in his lifetime, with all the members of his clan. Larry also had a great love for road trips, country music, the state of Texas, God and his country. His life touched many and he shared the gospel with more than one could count.

When handed the news of the brain cancer that would cause him to lose his life, he constantly thanked God for being in his situation, even though he knew that the odds were stacked against him. He stated, very humbly, many times in the final months of his life that he wanted only to glorify God in his final days. He has done that in many ways and left behind a beautiful life and legacy that will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Larry was a great story-teller whose stories will be repeated for years to come to his grandchildren. He was a hero to so many, and inspired many people in countless ways.

Larry passed into the next life peacefully on the 21st of March 2012 The last few days of his life were spent with his family lovingly serenading him with guitar playing and singing of his favorite songs and hymns, and readings from the his well used and learned Bible.

His family would like to acknowledge and thank the volunteers and staff at Austin’s Christopher House Hospice for impeccable care and kindness shown during Larry’s last days. Memorial donations may be made to the Christopher House directly in Larry’s memory. More info at www.ChristopherHouse.org

Larry’s widow, Jackie, would also like to thank John Onstott and the staff at Cook-Walden Funeral Home for their personal care and kindness.

Funeral services will be held at four o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 24th of March 2012 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX. Interment will immediately follow at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Cemetery. Following the graveside memorial, dinner and refreshments will be served at Hyde Park Baptist Church, 3901 Speedway, Austin, and TX 78751 (512-459-6587, [email protected]).

There will also be an informal gathering at one of Larry’s favorite places, Luckenbach, TX in the weeks to follow (date to be determined).

Condolences may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.