‘He was one of a kind that can never be replaced’

Gerald McClendon always wanted to help people.

His Facebook page even said, “I enjoy helping as many people as I can.”

It’s why he started Little Bear Hauling & Demolition, a business that focused on everything from brush removal to handyman services to driveway installation.

“‘Sure!’ was how Gerald always replied to my texts,” said friend Carol Bosley. “He moved us from our home in St. Joe to our home in Champaign. He drove up to Chicago to pick up furniture for us. He laid mulch and planted shrubs. He moved heavy furniture that we couldn’t move. He hauled away items that no longer worked.”

McClendon passed away on June 18 at his home in Sadorus. He was born Nov. 28, 1975 in Rome, New York.

He is survived by his wife Mallory and their son Gerald McClendon III.

Friend Katrina Durham said McClendon was a hard-working man who went above and beyond to help people.

Durham said her favorite memories of McClendon involved him sitting by a campfire and talking and fishing.

“Jerry had a great sense of humor and always showed up for the people he cared about,” she said. “I was exceptionally blessed to be able to call him my best friend.”

Friend Luke Fisher said he met McClendon when Little Bear Hauling was hired by the Village of St. Joseph to clean up a property. Fisher said the village had gone through the legal process to clean up the property and had to have a warrant and have a Sheriff’s Deputy there while they cleaned the property.

“Gerald was kind of in shock,” Fisher said. “But he did a great job. He was a hard worker.”

The two men and their families became friends and hung out quite a bit after that.

“Gerald was an awesome individual, a good friend, good worker and he cared deeply about his family and friends,” Fisher said.

Bosley agreed.

“During our many interactions, he became a valued friend to my husband and me,” she said. “I am forever grateful that the last thing I said to him in May, after he and his crew laid mulch and planted six shrubs, was, ‘Love you, Gerald’ as he drove away.”

Fisher said the thing he will remember most about McClendon was how he was always there for those he cared about.

“If I needed something he would always answer the phone,” Fisher said. “He cared deeply about his family and friends. He had a lot of goals he wanted to get done. He was one of a kind that can never be replaced.”

A life remember celebration will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. at 842 County Rd 600 N in Sadorus, IL 61872.

There is also a Go fund me to help with funeral costs.