Jack McClendon

John Jackson (Jack) McClendon, Jr., passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, after a brief hospitalization. A memorial celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Lake Ridge Chapel, officiated by The Rev. Elizabeth Abraham.

Jack was born on June 29, 1941, in Tomball, Texas, to Evelyn and Jack McClendon. He was raised with his little sister, Adelle, in Houston. Jack attended Spring Branch High School where he was Student Body President, on the football team (to hang out with the guys), and on the tennis team (to hang out with the girls). Jack excelled academically when he wasn’t focused elsewhere. He was a National Merit Scholar and a gifted orator, winning a 1959 National Debate Championship. During these years Jack also met his high school sweetheart, Patsy Smith. Upon graduation, Jack followed Patsy to the University of Texas. While Longhorn Football was clearly his passion, Pasty had his heart.

Jack earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree followed by his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Jack and Patsy married on August 10, 1963, and moved to Lubbock in 1965 where Jack began a successful legal career that spanned over five decades. He maintained his law license until his passing. Jack and Patsy had three children, Trey, Elizabeth, and Mont. Together, they built a life in Lubbock filled with happy memories and wonderful friendships. The family lost Patsy in 1983 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Jack had many talents, but his one true talent was convincing exceptional ladies to marry him. Jack’s family grew to a party of seven when he married Lynn Stafford, also widowed, and his “kids” came to include Leslie and Jim. They had a busy household of five teenagers under one roof with no shortage of love, laughter, and the occasional debate. After getting all five kids on their own ten feet, Jack and Lynn spent their later years volunteering, travelling, visiting grandchildren, and spending time with cherished friends.

If anyone was ever born to be a lawyer, it was Jack McClendon. People came to him on their worst days, and he stood by them and fought tirelessly to make their lives better. He was a “lawyer’s lawyer,” and many, many lawyers came to him when they or their families needed an advocate. Jack was also a committed supporter of the Lubbock community. Amongst other boards and committees, he was Chairman of the St. Mary of the Plains Hospital Board and spent 17 years on the Carillon Board of Directors, 15 years as Chairman. He always warned his children to never join a board unless they were willing to chair it. Jack never did anything halfway.

Jack is survived by his children, Leslie Baumann (Roger), Trey McClendon (Christy), Elizabeth LaMair (Trey), Jim Stafford (Kelly), and Mont McClendon (Shannon); grandchildren, Robert Baumann, Max Baumann, Ben McClendon, John LaMair, Anna McClendon, Aubrey Stafford, Charlie LaMair, William McClendon, and Patrick McClendon; nieces and nephews Sheri  Dinehart (Scott), Robin Fredrickson (Jeff Muñoz), Mitchell Pengra, and Amy Button (Mark); Lynn’s beloved dog, Diva; and many dear friends.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Amber Layton for her compassion and loving care, as well as Amanda and the team of Visiting Angels who spent time with Jack and brightened his days. The family would also like to thank Dr. Paul Walter, Dr. John Kelley, Dr. Marque Hunter, and the nurses at Covenant MICU for their support and gentle care for both Jack and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Carillon Foundation or the Longhorn Foundation (although Jack knew the likelihood of this one would be slim).