Billy Gene McClendon

Billy Gene McClendon was born on January 26, 1929, to Clarence E. McClendon and Mabel R. King McClendon in Dixon, Missouri. Billy accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized on October 10, 1987. He spent his childhood as a farmer’s son and learned very early in life a strong work ethic. On July 8, 1949, he married Betty June Heflin of Arlington, Missouri, and she remained the love of his life. They were married in Pocahontas, Arkansas, and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in July 2010. Betty preceded him in death on December 26, 2010. During their marriage, Billy and Betty had two daughters, Linda and Mary. Billy was a family man; he was devoted to his wife and children. He was the tradition maker in the family. Each year at Christmas he would search and search for the perfect tree, and then bring it home and watch while it was decorated. Later, he continued that tradition with his oldest daughter, Linda, delivering to her family what would later be affectionately called the best “Charlie Brown tree” anywhere. Billy always enjoyed the Christmas season. One year, when times were particularly hard, he worked overtime at Lane’s Service Station located on the Spur in order to buy his young daughters two beautiful dolls for Christmas, one a bride and the other a bridesmaid. Billy worked in various occupations throughout his life. He farmed as a young man and later learned the skills of a mechanic; he owned a gas station in the early 50’s called Bill’s Conoco which was located on Highway 28 near Shepherd Church. After selling the gas station, he worked at various jobs to include delivering propane gas for Poe’s in Rolla, driving an over-the-road tractor trailer hauling cattle to sale barns, and cutting and hauling tree logs. He came into his own in the 60s when he learned to operate heavy equipment. He joined the Operating Engineers, Local 513B, and from then on he worked various highway jobs throughout Missouri. He retired from that union with a pension and benefits. Billy was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish and spent many hours enjoying those activities with his grandson, Jeffrey Paddock. He also loved to hunt for Missouri’s mushrooms. Billy was usually the first in the community to find them each year, and was quite proud of his talent which he eventually passed down to Jeffrey. Billy fell and broke his hip in July 2007. After that he experienced a series of health problems that caused him to need 24-hour care. Even though he had to live at the Richland Care Center, Betty went to see him every day. In August of 2010, Betty decided to move to the Care Center as well in order for the two of them to spend more time together. Billy passed away at the Richland Care Center, Richland, Missouri, on Saturday, June 15, 2013. He will be greatly missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and David Paddock of Richland; his granddaughter Debra Paddock of Dallas, Texas; his grandson, wife, and great-grandson, Jeffrey, Misty and Hunter Paddock; his granddaughter and her husband Peggy and Sam Ligo and their sons, Adam and David of Clarksville, Tennessee. Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2013 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Judi Tillett officiating. Favorite music selections included, “In the Garden” and “Amazing Grace”. Serving as escorts were Adam R. Ligo, Jason Shelton, David J. Ligo, Brady Brown, Matt Campbell and James Clark. Burial followed in the Pisgah Cemetery, Dixon, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions are suggested in memory of Billy McClendon and may be left at the funeral home.

Billy Gene McClendon

January 26, 1929 - June 15, 2013