Capt. Tom Porter McClenahan (Ret.)

Captain Tom Porter McClenahan, USN (Ret), was born in Quinton, Oklahoma on June 23, 1930. He was the son of Alberta and Benjamin McClenahan. A Golden Gloves boxer, he graduated from McAlester High School in McAlester, Oklahoma in 1948.
After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent 4 years stationed in Germany. Tom entered the U.S. Navy in 1954 and commissioned an Ensign and Naval Aviator in 1956. He was involved in 8 operational deployments to the Western Pacific, Southeast Asia and Mediterranean areas. He served as Commanding Officer of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons 120 and 125 as well as Commander Airborne Early Warning Wing 12. In 2014 he was among the first 7 individuals inducted to the E-2 Air Wing's Hall of Honor. He earned a BS degree from the Naval Postgraduate School and an MS degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. He was also a graduate of the Naval War College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He retired from the Navy at NAS Norfolk, VA in 1980.
While Tom had a distinguished military career, he was an even better husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Tom's charismatic personality, engaging sense of humor and natural charm attracted people from all walks of life. He was a friend that could be counted on in good times and bad. Tom loved to read, fish and enjoyed great restaurants and traveling the world, but most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was enormously proud of his grandkids, never missing a graduation, sporting event or key moment in their lives, no matter the distance.
He is survived by his 2 sons, James (Susan) McClenahan of Dallas, TX and Benjamin (Lori Teeter) McClenahan of Virginia Beach, VA, 4 grandchildren, Andrew (Jaye) McClenahan and Madison (Jett Reed) McClenahan both of Virginia Beach, VA, Benjamin McClenahan of Dallas, TX and Alexa Teeter of Virginia Beach, VA. Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years the former Zahra Razook, grandson Thomas McClenahan of Dallas, TX and close companion, Pat Lewis of Virginia Beach, VA. Tom passed away as he lived, on his own terms, at his home in Virginia Beach, VA on December 29, 2024. He was 94.
A memorial service will be held at Bayside Presbyterian Church, 1400 Ewell Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 on February 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM, followed by a reception at the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club, 1052 Cardinal Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Alzheimer's Association or your favorite charity.