Gerald Leon McLendon

Gerald Leon McLendon, known to many as Jerry, Mac, Dad, Grandpa and Papa, was born on September 3, 1939, in Douglas, Arizona, to Paul and Marie McLendon. He was the middle of three children. At age 20, Jerry met Norma Lee Harper of Bisbee, Arizona. The two married in December 31, 1959.

Jerry was drafted into the United States Army in September 1963 and was honorably discharged in August 1965. During his service, Jerry and Norma lived in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and later in Frankfort, Germany, where their son Gary was born.

After leaving the Army, Jerry and Norma settled in Folsom, CA, where their daughter Debbie was born and then their son Kevin. Then they moved to Clovis, CA before eventually moving to Merced, CA where Jerry worked for the Merced Sun-Star for 27 years as the pressroom foreman. After retiring from the newspaper, he spent several years behind the wheel of a truck, working for Swift Transportation and then Pazin & Meyers hauling gasoline.

He was a man who was never afraid to speak his mind and let you know when he disagreed. He had strong opinions and stood by them. While he could have a gruff exterior and a straightforward way of expressing himself, underneath it all, he was a kind and loving man who cared deeply about his family and those around him. He showed it more through what he did than what he said.

Throughout his life, Jerry had many interests that kept him busy. In his earlier years he enjoyed talking on his Ham radio communicating with people all over the world, working with ceramics, being a part of a CB radio club, doing string art and building electronics. He also took pride in his vegetable garden and fruit trees, sharing with friends and family.

After retirement, he enjoyed sitting down for early-morning coffee with friends, and spending time with family on the weekends and watching old Westerns. He enjoyed keeping his routine and making his rounds on the weekends. And for the people who knew him best, that grumpy exterior was simply part of who Mac was.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marie McLendon; his sister, Loretta; his brother, Rayburn; and his grandson, Tyler.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; his children, Gary (Rene), Debbie, and Kevin (Kaylin); his grandchildren, Shauna (David), Ryan (Amber), Jason (Diana), Samantha (Dillon), Kirsten (Chase), Kylie, and Kaden; and his great grandchildren, Trinity, Alyssa, Noah, Addison, Colton, Madison, Barrett, and Brandt.

Jerry may not have been the sentimental type, and he probably wouldn't have wanted a lot of fuss made over him. But he leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and plenty of reasons to miss him. He was loved. He was one of a kind. And he will be missed.

Services will be held on Saturday,

August 22, 2026 at 11 am with lunch to follow at Winton First Southern Baptist Church, 7264 Myrtle Avenue, Winton, CA 95388.

Your presence would mean so much to our family as we gather to honor and remember him.

Rest in peace, Jerry, Mac, Dad & Papa!