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Clendenen -- Dr. H. Leon Clendenen, a man with a gracious, kind and gentle spirit with great generosity, compassion, and ability to encourage others, peacefully died the morning of April 5, 2001. A resident of Los Alamos for over 25 years, Dr. Clendenen enjoyed serving people's needs and making beautiful smiles in his orthodontic practice. Dr. Clendenen is survived by his wife Leota of Los Alamos, NM; children, Leonda 25, Llon 21 and Leta 17; his parents, Warren and Bernice Clendenen of Alamogordo, NM; his two brothers, Dr. Walter Clendenen of Winters, TX and Dr. Gary Clendenen of Tyler, TX. He felt close to and cared about his extended family, an extensive list including aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Area relatives include Sharon, Brittany and Aubrey Coble of Rio Rancho, NM. Leon was born on November 7, 1943 in San Angelo, TX. He was a graduate of Alamogordo High School, New Mexico State University (BS Mathematics with honors), and the University of Missouri Kansas City (Doctor of Dental Surgery, Highest Academic Rank). He was stationed in Hawaii for three years of active duty in the army that included a dental internship at Tripler General Hospital. From Hawaii, he was discharged as a Major and returned to UMKC to pursue a degree in Graduate Orthodontics. Dr. Clendenen was well respected in his profession: he was a member of Omirron Kappa Upsilon (Honorary Dental Society), the American Association of Orthodontics, Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontics and the New Mexico Association of Orthodontics. Early in his career he served as president of the NMAO. He was also very active in continuing education societies, clubs and seminars. Leon was a vital part of his church family at the Los Alamos Church of Christ. He served as a deacon, teacher, Youth Group Activities Sponsor, Puppet Power Sponsor and Pre-school Education Coordinator. He was a board member of Wilderness Trek Christian Camp where he actively enabled both local and inner city teenagers to participate in weeklong back packing trips. A Memorial Service will be held in his honor Thursday April 12, 2001 4:00 p.m. at the Los Alamos Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Dr. Clendenen's honor to the Los Alamos Church of Christ, the National Church of Christ Disaster Relief Fund (410 Allied Drive, Nashville, TN 37211), the Los Alamos YMCA or your favorite children's home. The family has asked that if you have a favorite Dr. C story share it. Share it and laugh. Share it and maybe even cry. Share it today, tomorrow or years from now. Just make sure you share it.
        Published on: Wed April 11, 2001