Phillip McClendon

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.