Sidney McClendon III of Texas remembered for dedication, servant leadership
Episcopal News Service. June 16, 2010 [061610-09]
ENS staff
A memorial service for Sidney Smith McClendon III, a former chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, is planned for Friday, June 18 at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston where he had been a member for 55 years.
McClendon, 81, a retired attorney who, like his father, had served as both diocesan chancellor and as a partner in the Houston law firm Vinson & Elkins, died after being electrocuted June 12 when lightning struck a power line in the backyard of his Houston home.
"Sidney was the model of servant leadership throughout his long and devoted service to the Diocese of Texas and to St. Martin's, following on the remarkable legacy of his father," said the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas, who will be among the officiants at Friday's memorial service. Also expected to participate is retired Texas bishop Maurice M. Benitez. The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr, rector of St. Martin's, will preside.
"Our prayers are with Sidney's family as we reflect with the deepest gratitude how many people he influenced during his life," Doyle said.
A Houston native and lifelong Episcopalian, McClendon was a well-known beach preservationist and avid sailor, remembered for his dedication and his legal expertise.
He was born Oct. 4, 1928, the only child of Marie Millicent Dancy and Sidney Smith McClendon, Jr.
He attended Houston public schools, graduating from San Jacinto High School as a captain in the R.O.T.C. He earned a bachelor's degree from Rice University in 1949 and graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1952.
He joined Vinson & Elkins in 1952 where his practice consisted mainly of business, real estate, and energy law. He also served in the Judge Advocate Corp of the United States Army, rising to the rank of second lieutenant. He returned to the firm where he remained throughout his legal career and became a partner, retiring in 1994.
His father was also a partner at Vinson & Elkins, served as chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas for almost 40 years, and wrote the charter for St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. His great grandfather, Micah H. Bonner, was a justice of the Texas Supreme Court during the Civil War and chief justice during the Reconstruction era.
McClendon was a member of local, state and national bar associations, and numerous other professional organizations.
He served as vice chancellor of the diocese from 1969 through 1981 and as chancellor from 1981 through 1998, according to Carol Barnwell, diocesan director of communications. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital for almost 30 years.
He retired from practicing law in 1994 and dedicated himself to beach preservation and advocacy. He served on various boards, including the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association, Pirates Property Owners Association, and the Galveston County Task Force.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Caryl Wagner McClendon, three children and six grandchildren.
Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Martin's Church; St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, the Sidney McClendon Fund, c/o Philanthropy Office (MC3-206), or the Bonner Whitaker McClendon House, P. O. Box 10036, Tyler, Texas, 75711; or to the charity of one's choice.