Pastor William McClendon, 82, was born on August 3, 1936 to the union of Thomas McClendon and Mary (Turner) McClendon in Lula, Mississippi. His parents; four brothers, Felix Thurman, Sidney Thurman, James Henry Thurman and Robert McClendon; two sisters, Martha Thurman and Julia Thurman Cox all preceded him in death.

William was educated in the public schools of Lula, Mississippi. He later moved to Chicago, Illinois with his family and continued his education graduating from Crane High School. He furthered his education at Crane Junior College and Moody Bible Institute. He enlisted in the United States Army where he received an honorable discharge. Williams was united in marriage

to the former Lillie McGhee on September 17, 1959. He was employed at General Motors in Cicero, Illinois and later with Allis Chalmers in Independence, Missouri.

William accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in Lula, MS. After accepting Christ he was active in the life of the church and always had a yearning for the word of God. He was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Chicago, IL, at the time he accepted his call to the Gospel

Ministry. After relocating to Kansas City, Missouri he united with Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church and served as an Associate Minister. He was called to Pastor Zion Baptist Church later renamed Shiloh Baptist Church in Atchison, Kansas where served for twenty-five years.

After leaving Atchison, Kansas, he came closer to his home and organized Logos Baptist Church in Blue Springs, Missouri where he served as Senior Pastor for ten years. While at Logos he organized a pantry where the church gave out food on Saturdays. He retired from active pastoring and later united with Harvest Baptist Church in Blue Springs, Missouri. A close friend built a prayer room and named it in honor of Pastor William McClendon, where he taught evening bible class until his health began to fail.

Pastor McClendon was a dynamic preacher and singer. He was widely known for his gift of singing and was often called upon to sing at funerals, weddings and church programs. He truly loved the people of God that he served and always counted it an honor to be in the service of the Lord.

Pastor William McClendon answered the call from the Lord on Monday, March 25, 2019, at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Lillie McClendon; daughter, Yolanda (Steve) Murrell of Blue Springs, MO; two grandsons, Joshua (Shauntavia) McClendon of Washington, D.C. and Brandan Mitchell of Blue Springs, MO; one great granddaughter, Jaaliyah McClendon of Washington, D.C.; one niece whom he raised in his home, Betty McGhee; Godson, Jessie (Alicia) Brack both of Chicago, IL; four sisters, Rosie Lee Dugar of Chicago, IL, Jennie Swan and Mary Trotter both of Los Angeles, CA and Nellie Pitts of Virginia Beach, VA; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services Wednesday, April 3, 10:00 a.m. at Harvest Baptist Church. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.