Nils Wayne Eugene Clendening

Nils Wayne Eugene Clendening passed away on April 23, 2026, in McKinney, TX. He was born on August 13, 1942, in Reykjavik, Iceland to his parents Unnur Magnusdottir Clendening and Wayne Leroy Clendening.

Wayne initially came to the United States from Iceland at age 6. With his father in the US Army, the family then relocated to Tachikawa Japan for 3 years. Returning to the US, his family lived in New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas and finally Kansas. He attended Salina High School in Salina, Kansas. Wayne joined the US Army Reserves and was active for several years. He obtained his degree in Architectural Engineering at Kansas State University and was a member of the Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity. He and his wife met while both attending the University, and they remained lifelong K-State Wildcat fans. Wayne and Anita married in an elopement ceremony in Nowata, Oklahoma on July 3, 1967. They resided in Salina, KS until finally relocating to Arlington, TX in 1969 for Wayne’s job with an architectural firm that designed the brand new DFW Airport. They raised their three children in Arlington and were members of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1978. After his retirement as the VP - Architects at DB Constructors, Wayne remained active with side ADA architectural projects and later as primary caregiver for Anita until her passing in 2021.

Wayne is survived by daughters Stephanie (Brian) Wood of Argyle, TX, Amy (Rick) Clendening-Wheeler of McKinney, TX, and son Robert (Joann) Clendening of Arlington, TX and Grandchildren Hannah Chavez, Mason Chavez, Ava Wood, Matthew Wood, Mallory Wheeler, Matthew Wheeler, Grady Wheeler, Jeffrey Wheeler, Jonathan Wheeler, Veronica Wheeler, Zachary Harlan, Derek Clendening, Heather Schell, Kirstie Wall, and Kennedy Bailey, several great-grandchildren, niece and nephews, and a host of extended family most of whom still reside in Iceland. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Anita Louise Clendening, and grandson Robert Andrew Clendening.

During his life Wayne was active in many sports including football, bowling, tennis, and golf and supported his children in their activities as well. Friends and family remember Wayne as a quiet, yet strong leader, the source of logic and clarity frequently sought-after in business and life. Wayne’s high-level intelligence was unmatched except by his witty sense of humor evident even in his last days. Wayne was dedicated to his Faith, his family, and his friends. He instilled a love of all animals in his children and during his life had a menagerie of pets who also most certainly awaited his arrival in Heaven.

Services are open to family and friends and include Visitation Service on May 5, 2026, from 6pm-8pm at Wade Funeral Home Chapel, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway Arlington Tx, 76013. Graveside service is on May 6, 2026, from 3-3:30pm at Moore Memorial Gardens, (Garden of Reflections Pavilion), 1219 N. Davis Dr, Arlington Tx, 76012.

The family would like to extend deep appreciation for the years of care, support, and love provided to “Mr. Wayne” by the caregivers and staff at Legend of McKinney Assisted Living and Memory Care. They truly served as a second family to him and share in our loss.

Memorial contributions may be made in Wayne’s memory to The Alzheimer's Association at https://donorservices.alz.org.