Dr. Carl Burton Clendenen

Carl B. Clendenen, Jr.

December 24, 1921 - January 8, 2013

Carl B. Clendenen, Jr. was born December 24, 1921 in Columbus, Ohio to Carl and Opal Clendenen.

Carl died peacefully in his sleep at 91 years of age on January 8, 2013, stepping from this earth into the presence of his heavenly Father, who he has loved and served all of his life.

Carl was educated in Ohio schools where he majored in college preparatory courses. Carl's siblings are brother Robert, Sister Ruth (Chance), brothers Thomas and Arnold. Carl enjoyed a happy childhood in a loving Christian family. All of his pre-college life years were spent in Ohio.

Carl served three years in the U.S. Navy as a medic. He graduated from Olivet Nazarene University, Kankakee, Illinois in 1947 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology. Later he received an honorary PhD in Theology from Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, Idaho.

Carl married his childhood friend and sweetheart, Doris Pauline Carpenter in 1945. Three daughters, Marcia (Howell), Brenda (Shelby) and Cintra (Otten) joined the family. All three daughters attended Olivet Nazarene University and married Dean Howell, Lynn Shelby and Brian Otten.

Over the years Carl shared with his family that he committed his life to Jesus when he was a small child, through a neighbor lady that invited the children to church. Upon his return from the Navy he recommitted his life to Christ which "completely changed my life-my walk-my talk-my attitude and my future"…and that of his entire family. His passion for Jesus and his life lived loving everyone who came into his life was shared very early with his children, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Carl began his pastoral ministry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His pastoral ministry took him to Wapakoneta and Springfield, Ohio. In 1960 Carl was elected District Superintendent for the Northwestern Ohio District Church of the Nazarene where he served for ten years. In 1970 he was elected District Superintendent for the Oregon Pacific District, Church of the Nazarene, where he served until 1985. In 1985 Carl and Doris moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he served as professor at Nazarene Bible College. He loved his years working with young men and women who felt the call of God on their lives. In 1990 Carl and Doris returned to their home in Salem, Oregon and continued their lives loving those who daily "walked into their lives".

Baseball, golf, football, and basketball were an integral part of Carl's entire life. As a young boy, he and his brothers participated in daily games of baseball on one side of the city, and then rode their bikes to another and then another. College baseball and basketball were particularly enjoyed as three of the brothers played together on the college teams. His skills at knowing players and stats in all the sports were honed and his interest continued even to his last days. In his later years his "green thumb" appeared in gardening with his favorite flowers, being roses, and his special love of the "Abe Lincoln" deep red rose. Golfing was a love especially with his two best friends who had more laughs on the course than great scores. Fishing with these same friends didn't bring many fish, but lives were filled with laughter as they enjoyed these outings.

Carl was known for his love of everyone who came into his life. His heart was always grateful for every action done by another to him, from the waitress, gas station attendant, disabled individual, to the last person with hospice who cared for his needs the day before dying, by mouthing a silent "Thank-you" to her. He loved others more than himself. He could never out give to others because of what God had done for him. To the last he had a wonderful sense of humor even in the midst of dying. Carl was a singer of hymns and could be heard singing them as he readied himself each morning, in the car, and with the family. A prayer of faith was a normal response to those who would mention a hurt or concern and of course his Bible is worn with a lifetime of use. He was a man after God's heart.

Carl dearly loved his wife Doris and they enjoyed everyday of their lives together. Carl often said that Doris was the most precious compliment to his life. Carl and Doris were a perfectly matched team who traveled the same path with the same passion for 67 years.

Carl is survived by his wife, Doris of 67 years, by his three daughters, Marcia Howell (Dean) of Aumsville, Oregon, Brenda Shelby (Lynn) of Roseburg, Oregon and Cintra Otten (Brian) of Salem, Oregon and 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren, all who have been greatly influenced by his life.

Carl would want to profusely thank Avamere Court, Keizer, Oregon and their dear friends, First Church of the Nazarene, Salem, Oregon and the many years of friendships enjoyed, the Oregon Pacific District Church of the Nazarene friends who have never failed to uphold him, the Northwest Ohio District Church of the Nazarene friends who partnered with him for many years, and his wonderful health providers who extended their love and care to bring relief, Dr. Elizabeth Jappay, her assistant ShaunDae, and their IV specialist Valerie, Dr. Kamran Ghalili and Dr. Kamran Firoozi, all of the Physicians Building Clinic.

Any contributions may be offered to the Gideon Bible Institute or Samaritan's Purse.

To send your thoughts and tributes to Doris and the family online, please visit: http://www.hed-fh.com/

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1550 Market Street, Salem, Oregon, 97301. Please send condolences and cards to this location.

Interment will be at the Roseburg National (Veterans) Cemetery, Roseburg, Oregon.