Capital High School
Capital High Mourns Passing of John Clendenen
It is with great sadness that Capital High anounces the passing of Mr. John Clendenen. Mr. Clendenen passed away at approximately 11:15 PM, Sunday night, May 13, 2007 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Clendenen leaves to mourn a lovely wife, three beautiful daughters, and four grandchildren. Mr. Clendenen is the former principal of our school. An avid sportsman, outdoors man, naturalist, gardener, and jack-of-all-trades, he had retired after 38 years of loyal and devoted service to the students of Kanawha County Schools and their parents only 5 short years ago. He was known far and wide throughout the state of West Virginia as a vibrant, active, dynamic, personable and charming man. Please join Capital High in offering condolences to the friends and family of this great man.
Obituary from Charleston Gazette:
John Kirwood Clendenen, 64, of Elkview went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 13, 2007, after a short illness.
He was born on June 16, 1942, to Clarence Kirwood Clendenen and Indra Heck Clendenen of Racine, West Virginia.
He received a Bachelor's degree in education from Morris Harvey College and a Master's degree in administration from Marshall University.
He served as principal at Thomas Jefferson Junior High, Woodrow Wilson Junior High, Charleston High and Capital High schools. His ability to relate to the students made him a popular and adored principal. After 38 years as an educator and leader in the Kanawha County School System, he retired in 2002. His wit and style enabled him to succeed in all phases of his career and personal life. He will always be remembered as making everyone feel like somebody.
He was certified as an Eagle Scout by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Charleston Masonic Lodge and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Charleston. He also was presented with the Distinguished West Virginian Award for outstanding achievement and meritorious service from the governor. The Kanawha County Commission recognized him as one of the finest educators in Kanawha County history.
He had been a friend to so many and was well known for being a tenderhearted individual who genuinely cares about all people. His understanding, humor, wit and style enabled him to succeed in all phases of his career and personal life. His many friends can tell stories that could win blue ribbon awards for his frankness, honesty and “tell it like it is” attitude. People knew he loved God by the way he treated them and the life that he led.
In his retirement, his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren. He and his wife enjoyed vacationing at the beach, especially Amelia Island, and visiting his daughter and her family in Tallahassee, Florida. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, four-wheeling, restoring his dad's antique truck, exercising at Nautilus, attending monthly retiree luncheons and the Saturday morning breakfast club.
He was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather who loved and adored his family.
He touched thousands of lives and he will be truly missed. We are blessed to have known him.
John is survived by his mother, Indra Heck Clendenen; wife, Patricia; daughters, Tricia Kingery and husband, Alex, of Charleston, Jennifer Williams and husband, Shawn, of Charleston and Johnna Stickler and husband, Michael, of Florida; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Lilly and Kailey Williams and Noah Stickler; sisters, Jeannie Lanyi of Charleston and Ronnie Clendenen of Racine; brother in-law, Joe Farley; uncle, Jack Heck; and cousin, Jim Clendenen, who was like a brother.
The family has requested that donations be made to the John K. Clendenen Scholarship Fund at Capital High School, 1500 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV 25311.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonharding.com.