Alan Clendenen

Alan Ray Clendenen, 74 years old, of Sugar Land, TX, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, in Houston, TX. He was born in Kerrville, TX to Billy Edward Clendenen and Mada Nadine Clendenen on November 30, 1948.

On October 8, 1971, Alan married Connie Quintero and had his first son, Brian A. Clendenen. Following a career in the oil and gas industry Alan moved from San Antonio, TX to the Houston, TX area where he met Cheryl Denise Bryan. Alan and Cheryl were married a short time later and began a new adventurous life together. Alan and Cheryl were soon blessed with their daughter, Laura N. Higgins, on September 30, 1981, and again a son on December 28, 1982, Leonard S. Clendenen. He later married Julie Katherine Wilcox in Houston, TX, to whom he remained married until his passing.

In his youth, Alan attended grade school in and around the San Antonio, Tx area. In High School he worked for Chapman Auto Parts as a delivery and counter sales associate.

Alan joined the U.S. Navy Reserves his senior year of Highschool. After completing bootcamp in San Diego, CA he was shipped to Washington state to complete jungle combat training. In 1968, on his 21 st birthday, he was deployed to Saigon Viet Nam where he served as an engineman/gunner aboard a 1945 issue LCM, (landing Craft mobile) identical to the equipment used to land on the beaches of Europe in WWII many years prior. Alan was assigned to support the 9 th Infantry in the South Mekong delta - south and west of Saigon along the Cambodia border during what is known as the “Tet Offensive”. This is thought to have been the heaviest drive of the Viet Kong against the US in the history of war. Following his 12-month straight tour in Vietnam, Alan was recognized to have served with distinction and received an Honorable discharge in 1969.

In 1971 following his career in the U.S. Navy, Alan moved to the Houston, TX to work for National Supply as a machinist. During this time, he attended the University of Houston College. After several years, he was recruited by Diamond M Drilling where he remained for the next 12 years as a Buyer. During his tenure there, he was able to visit and work in remote areas of the world, most notably, Africa. He continued working in the Oil and Gas industry as a Purchasing Agent, the position he eventually retired from.

Throughout his life Alan fulfilled his pastime with many hobbies, some of those became lifelong. Alan was introduced to and found his love of SCUBA diving during his NAVY years and eventually became a SCUBA diving instructor through the YMCA. This passion allowed Alan to pursue his dreams of both travel and diving. He would eventually pass on his love for this hobby to his children. During this time, Alan competed in top-tier Bar-B-Q competitions for 9 years at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Following his joy for all things automotive, he found a group of likeminded individuals to spend many days and nights with, in the Houston area Early Ford V8 Club where he was not only a highly driven and active member but later became the President of the club. It is also noteworthy to mention his unmatched love of all things Halloween.

Alan Ray Clendenen is survived by his wife, Julie Clendenen; Son Brian Clendenen and wife Leticia Torres of San Antonio; daughter Laura Higgins and husband Eamon Higgins of Georgetown, TX; son Len Clendenen of Spring TX, daughter April Pitarra of Sugar Land, TX; son Stephen Pitarra and partner Margi Ford of Houston, TX; Grandchildren Taya Clendenen, Tess Clendenen, Emma Higgins, Liam Higgins, Jaiden Schroeder, Lola Sierra, and Audrey Cardona.

Visitation will be held between 9 am and 10 am at Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel, on Saturday, January 28, 2023, followed immediately by the Funeral services at 10 AM. Burial will follow at the Vanderpool Cemetery in Vanderpool, TX.

Alan’s most cherished place in the world was Vanderpool, TX.

Pallbearers will be Brian Clendenen, Len Clendenen, Stephen Pitarra, Eamon Higgins, Jaiden Schroeder, and Dave Stark.

Memorials may be given to Julie Clendenen at the Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel.