Gerald W. Clevenger

Gerry was born on November 14th, 1945 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to parents, Walter and Dora Clevenger. The oldest child, he and his sister, Annette, spent the majority of their childhood in Wichita, Kansas. After graduating from high school, Gerry moved to Kansas City to start his career in engineering for the oil and gas industry, later settling in Houston with his wife in 1974.

He worked for MW Kellogg for more than twenty eight years where he developed an impeccable reputation for hard work and dependability. He was held in high regard by those he mentored. Known as honest, tough but fair, and loyal, many of his former colleagues credit him as a shaping influence on their own careers. His work afforded him the opportunity to expand his perspective with travel taking him to places like Riyadh, Caracas, Athens, London, and beyond. His tenure in an industry known for its fluctuations is an admirable achievement few others can claim.

A family man first, his favorite memories were those of summer vacations at the lake, fishing with his children, and time spent with extended family. Later in his life, he cherished the company of his grandchildren, always preferring a house full of noise and laughter to quiet one.

Gerry was a caring son, supportive brother, loving father and grandfather who cherished his role as husband above all else. Gerry and Shelley Clevenger were married on September 27, 1974, and spent the next thirty seven years raising their children and loving each other. His love for her gave him purpose and the life they built together serves as testimony to their commitment to one another. They met every challenge, celebrated every milestone, and walked through the fondest years of their lives together.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Dora; and the recent passing of his beloved youngest son, Michael Andrew. He is survived by his wife, Shelley Hartley-Clevenger; sons, Jerry and his wife Carmelita, Kenneth and his wife Tina, and Phillip and his wife Stephanie; daughters, Sherri Lynn Fortune, and Jennifer LaCroix and her husband Zac; sister, Annette Clevenger-Hartley and brother-in-law, Christopher Hartley; as well as nephews, Christopher Hartley and his wife Shelley, Noah Hartley, niece, Heather Hartensteiner and her husband Kenneth; and numerous grandchildren for whom he loved dearly.

A memorial service in his honor will be held on Saturday, February 11th, 2012. The family will receive guests beginning at 6:30pm. Brookside Funeral Home Champions, 3410 FM 1960 West, Houston, Texas 77068, (281)397-0800.