Verlin R. McClendon, Sr. was born on March 14, 1956 as the second oldest child of B.L. and Alvilda McClendon in Ben Wheeler, TX.  He attended school at the Prairie Creek Community School and would ultimately graduate from the Van Independent School system.  Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country as a member of the 12th Field Maintenance Squadron as an Aircraft Environmental Systems Mechanic for four years before being honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.  After his military service, he began working as an over the road truck driver while living in the Houston area.  In the summer of 1979 he would meet his bride to be, Alice Brister and the two would wed on January 8, 1983.  In 1986 the young family would move to Prairie Creek where he would raise his two sons.  As a pillar of his community he would serve for almost two decades as the Sunday School teacher at the Prairie Creek C.M.E. Church, along with many other hats of leadership and faith.  In the latter years of his life he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was always open to a good long conversation.