Clifford Lawrence Spendlove

Clifford Spendlove was born, June 1, 1923 in Los Angeles, California, where he graduated from Garfield High School. After his military service, he attended Woodbury College where he met his future wife, Alice Lusarreta Spendlove, and earned a degree in Business.

He spent three years in the United States Navy during World War II; two years during which he was on the U.S.S. Kretchmer, a destroyer escort. The Kretchmer was the first ship to pick up Allied POWS from the Philippines.

Mr. Spendlove worked for 20 years for Merced County, first as a social worker and then as Deputy Director of the Human Resources Department, retiring in 1981. During this time, he served a two year term as President of Merced County Employees Association, in the early 70's, two years as President of the Merced Chapter of the California Social Workers Organization (CSWO) and was a PTA President for ADA Givens School in the 1960's.

After retiring, Mr. Spendlove spent twelve years offering his services as a substitute teacher for the Merced Union High School District.

Since his retirement, Spendlove served for 16 years as President of REMCO (Retired Employees of Merced County) and in 1999, served as a Chairman for the Nominating Committee for AARP (American Association of Retired Persons). In 2005 he received a Meritorious Service Award from REMCO.

From 2001-2004, he wrote a column in the Merced Sun Star called "Senior Moments". Mr. Spendlove has been a member of the Merced Elks Lodge #1240 B.P.O.E., and the Merced American Legion Post #83 for over 50 years.

When not doing community service, attending WWII reunions, traveling or spending time with his family and friends, Mr. Spendlove could be found working through a stack of crossword puzzles.

He was a diligent "Graffiti Buster" for the McKee/Bear Creek bridge and will be remembered for his many kindnesses and courtesies, small and large, to his family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice Lusarreta Spendlove; his son, Stephen; his daughter, Sherrie; and three grandchildren, Micah, Tiffanie, and Peter Gallo; and his son-in-law, Fernando Guerrero.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Clifford and Alice Spendlove Prize in Social Justice, Diplomacy, and Tolerance at UC Merced, 5200 Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

A Celebration of Clifford Spendlove's Life will be held at a later date.