Dr. E. J. McClendon

McClendon, Dr. Edwin J. "E.J." age 84 of Canton, January 21, 2006. Beloved husband of the late Ruby. Dear father of Ed McClendon of Canton; Melody Lang of Plymouth; and Joy (Jeff) McClendon of New Jersey; and beloved grandfather of Kimberley Lang; Tracy McClendon; Christopher Lee and Edwin McClendon III. Dr. McClendon, affectionately known as "E.J." was born in Oklahoma, and lived in Michigan for almost 50 years. He received his Bachelors Degree, and his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma; his Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina; and he earned his Ph.D. in Education and Public Health from Wayne State University. He was Professor of Health Education in the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, where he taught for 33 years; Assistant State Superintendent of Schools, Wayne County Intermediate School District; Director of Tuberculosis Control for Wayne County; Plymouth Board of Education Past President; American School Health Association Past President. He was also very active in civic and charitable organizations: Plymouth Rotary Past President; Plymouth Chamber of Commerce; World Health Organization; American Cancer Society; American Tuberculosis Association; and had numerous teaching positions through the years, as well as being High School Principal. Dr. McClendon was author and co-author of numerous articles and books in school health and curriculum. He was inducted into the Plymouth Hall of Fame in 2002. The new Plymouth Education Building was dedicated in his name. He had been the recipient of numerous awards through the years, including the American School Health Association's William A Howe Award. Dr. McClendon was a World War II veteran, serving in the Asia-Pacific theater as Second Lieutenant and Executive Officer of the USS Cofer. He was aboard the first ship to arrive at Nagasaki after the war, entering Ground Zero to liberate American POW's. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star (two commendations) two battle stars and the Purple Heart. Dr. McClendon will lie in state Wednesday 12 Noon until 1 PM funeral service at First United Methodist Church of Plymouth, where he and his wife Ruby had been long-time members. Visitation will be Monday 4-9 PM and Tuesday 2-9 PM at Vermeulen Funeral Home, 46401 W Ann Arbor Road (between Sheldon and Beck Roads) Plymouth. Burial at Riverside Cemetery, Plymouth. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mott Children's Hospital, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48109-0253. To leave a message of condolence, click on the Online Condolences link on this page.