Charles Clendenin

Charles William Clendenin, 90, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. He resided at Missouri Veterans Home the past 12 months.

He was born Nov. 9, 1919, near Portageville, Mo., son of Arthur C. and Mertie Jeter Clendenin. He and Pauline Cooper were married Sept. 18, 1942. Together they enjoyed 67 years of marriage.

While attending the former Southeast Missouri State Teachers College in Cape Girardeau, Charles enlisted in the Army Air Corps Jan. 6, 1942. While in World War II he served with the 341st Bomb Squadron and served as senior enlisted man in both SAC and TAC. His career in the military was concluded 24 years later on May 30, 1967, when he was honorably discharged as chief master sergeant of Field Maintenance Squadron at Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, Miss.

The Clendenins established their home in Cape Girardeau in 1967, and so began Charles' entrepreneurial talents.

He founded Cape Business Services, a record keeping, accounting and tax firm that served both business and personal clients. Charles sold the business in 1987 and retired, but continued to volunteer his expertise for senior citizens' tax reporting.

Charles and Pauline are 42-year members of Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

For 60 years he used his time and talents to teach Free Masonry and Scottish Rite. His Masonic obligations included member and past master of Harold O. Grauel Masonic Lodge in Cape Girardeau, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, past president of Scottish Rite, past president of both the local High-12 Club and the Missouri High-12 Club.

Charles particularly enjoyed nature's beauty. For relaxation he went hunting, fishing, and treasure hunting with his metal detector.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Bill (Lynn) Clendenin of Columbia, S.C.; three grandchildren, Kristin Clendenin, Sarah Crowe, Cpl. Robert Clendenin; and a great-granddaughter, Ella Crowe.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon McCall.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. A Rose Croix service will be held at 7:30, followed by a Masonic service.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Tom Sullenger of Grace United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will be in Cape County Memorial Park, with full military graveside honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Grace United Methodist Church or Missouri Veterans Home Activities Fund.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting McCombs Funeral Home website at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.