Will L. McLendon

Will Loving McLendon, first son of Will Clifton and Malissie Loving McLendon was born in Center, Texas on the 26th of August 1925. Died Thursday, the 2nd of January 2025. The idyllic childhood that he and one younger brother, Jack, enjoyed came to an end with the beginning of World War II when Will enlisted at age 17 in the U. S. Naval Reserve. He served in uniform from 1943 to 1946 and was in Midshipman’s School when the war ended in 1945. Will was a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin BS, Middlebury College, MA, and the Sorbonne (University of Paris) Doctorat d’Université 1952. Will was professor of French literature and linguistics beginning at Texas Tech, then at S. M. U., and for the major part of his career at the University of Houston for 38 years, where he served for nine years as chairman of the French Department. He was awarded the Palmes Académiques by the French Ministry of Education in 1965 and later promoted to the rank of Officier for his publications and other contributions to the advancement of French culture. Dr. McLendon published three books and over 25 articles in both French and English in American and international literary journals. He received the Master Teacher Award from the University of Houston in 1990. Upon retirement from professional duties in 1991 as Professor Emeritus Will assumed business activities with his partner of 47 years, Norbert Choucroun, who died in 1996 in Houston. After winding down their antique business a new life opened up for Will, and, thanks to excellent physical health he enjoyed many years of world travel in company with such friends as few are privileged to have. His dearest friend and most frequent traveling companion, Arthur Tafolla, met an untimely death in 2016 thus putting an end to 18 halcyon years that exceeded all expectations. Their spacious modern condo high in the Swiss Alps was a reassuring retreat where they spent much time and welcomed kindred souls. Will’s life was enriched by enjoyment of great art, music, architecture and a plethora of personal relations who were his “rod and staff”. Will was a generous patron of the arts in Houston and was especially devoted to Houston Grand Opera and the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston.

He is survived by a niece, Elizabeth (Lisa) Welch, her husband Dr. Paul Welch, a nephew, Clifton Palmer McLendon, and faithful friends Fuad Khalil, Shannon Schrader, Charles Leigh III and Patrick Summers.

The family wishes to thank Will’s longtime loyal employee Nic Ponce and Will’s trusted personal aide Erik Gomez for their remarkable support.

A celebration of Will’s life will be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, February 1st at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

Please visit Will’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

Our candles burned at both ends

They did not pass the night

But oh our foes and ah our friends

They gave such wonderous light

Adieu, adios, lebewohl!