Ernest “Mr. Ernie” Leroy McClendon Jr. went home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 29, 2025, at the age of 83, in Corrigan, Texas.
Ernie was born to Ernest Leroy Sr. and Willie Nell Morgan McClendon on May 29, 1942 in Hurley, Mississippi. He graduated high school from Odessa, Texas and proudly attended Baylor University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree and then went on to receive his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Baylor Law School in 1967. Ernie proceeded to enlist in the United States Navy, serving as a Lieutenant, Line Officer and Legal Officer from 1967-1971. While enlisted, he was deployed to Vietnam and then re-assigned to the USS Butte on its maiden cruise to the Mediterranean.
Upon his discharge from the Navy, Ernie moved to Livingston, Texas where he served as the Polk County District Attorney for more than 10 years. During this time, he began a private practice and after leaving the DA’s office, he continued his private practice for more than four decades. Ernie was also the owner of Polk County Title from 1979-2000. In 2014, Ernie was appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry to be the State Judge for the 258th District of Texas, going on to be elected to the District Judge position following two primaries and the general election. Ernie retired as State District Judge in 2019.
Ernie married Betty Dean Murphy in 1964 and together they had two children, Mary and Marc. They raised their family in Livingston and Ernie was actively involved in their schooling and sports.
In 2007, Ernie married Ruth Emmons and they went on to build a wonderful life together, full of love, family, friends, fun and memories.
Ernie was proud of the community he called home and volunteered in many capacities throughout the years. He was a volunteer youth baseball, softball and soccer coach, not only for his own children, but for many others as well. He was involved with the VFW, the Polk County GOP, Rotary Club, Boys and Girls Club and Central Baptist Church, where he was very active with the RAs. An avid sports lover, especially anything Baylor Bears-related, Ernie enjoyed watching and talking sports with anyone willing to banter. Above all else, Ernie’s passion was playing golf. For many years, he spent every Sunday afternoon on the golf course with his friends.
Throughout his life, Ernie held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him.
Ernie joins his parents and his sister Elizabeth in Heaven. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; daughter, Mary McClendon Miller and husband Gregg; son, Marc McClendon and wife Allison; daughter, Tish Hollis; son, Roman Reeves and wife Amanda; and daughter, Lauren Murphy. Grandchildren include Jake, Amy Jo, Kaysen and Kyler Miller, Mollie-Kate and Jenna McClendon, Lewis, Derrick and Walker Findley, Reagan and Peyton Reeves; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Bruce McClendon and wife Marian, and Virgil McClendon. Ernie is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Wanda Kruse and husband JR, Becky Hendrix and husband Anthony, and Michelle Wunderlich; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other special friends and relatives.
Psalm 91:11 - “For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.”
Exodus 23:20 - “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”
In lieu of flowers, the family humbly asks for any donations to be made to the Katy Moseley Scholarship Fund at the Big Sandy/Dallardsville School.
Funeral services for Ernest Leroy McClendon Jr., 83, of Livingston, Texas were held Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas with Bro. Lynn Sasser officiating. Visitation was held on the day of service from 9-10 a.m. at the funeral home.
Cochran Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.
