Paying final respects to Aubrey McClendon

An overflow crowd of about 4,000 people filled the sanctuary, lobby and chapel at Crossings Community Church on Monday morning to pay respects to Oklahoma City natural gas man and philanthropist Aubrey McClendon. “This morning we give thanks for a truly inspirational man who made an astonishing difference on the lives of so many people in this city and state,” said the Rev. Patrick E. Bright, who led the Episcopal service.

An overflow crowd of about 4,000 people filled the sanctuary, lobby and chapel at Crossings Community Church on Monday morning to pay respects to Oklahoma City natural gas man and philanthropist Aubrey K. McClendon.

The Rev. Patrick E. Bright led the Episcopal service.

“Aubrey was a truly remarkable man,” Bright said as he described McClendon’s generosity, hard work and attention to detail. McClendon was known for shoveling snow and clearing icy sidewalks and for pointing out air vents that clashed with the rest of a church’s decor, he said.

“This morning we give thanks for a truly inspirational man who made an astonishing difference on the lives of so many people in this city and state,” Bright said.

McClendon’s adult children described their father as a man who worked hard and played hard.

“At every age, we always felt completely loved and supported. For such a busy man, he made sure to spend plenty of time with each of us,” daughter Callie Katt said. “He made the most of every single minute. His physical absence is an enormous loss to us, but the example he set and the values he instilled in us will guide us for the rest of our lives.”

Jack McClendon said every moment of his dad’s life was soaked in purpose, presence and joy.

“On a typical day, he could have complete command of an important business meeting, then later be seen picking up trash in the employee parking lot,” he said. “The lasting lesson my dad would want all of us to carry out would be to make the world a better place

than you found it. Dad always found the will and way to help others.”

Will McClendon described his father as his best friend and hero. He said he was inspired by the way his dad genuinely cared about everyone he met.

“His relentless curiosity allowed him to ask total strangers about their lives, and his incredible memory allowed him to remember all the details when he saw them again,” he said.

“He was a wonderful conversationalist, asking thought-provoking questions and carefully listening to the answers,” Will McClendon said.

Aubrey McClendon died Wednesday morning in a single-car crash.

McClendon was CEO of American Energy Partners LP and the co-founder and former CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corp.

American Energy Chief Legal Officer Tom J. Blalock praised McClendon for developing and promoting the shale oil and natural gas revolution.

He said McClendon worked hard, fast and efficiently.

“He wore work clothes. Most of us call it a suit and treat it like that,” Blalock said. “Not Aubrey. Sleeves have buttons so you can roll them up. Shirts have pockets for pens and phones. Ties are to be loose and a little crooked and, of course, tucked in your shirt during a meal because after all, their real purpose is to hide spills.”

McClendon was curious and fun, and insisted on those qualities in the people around him, Blalock said.

“Aubrey genuinely cared about people,” Blalock said.

“He wanted them to be the best and to do the best they could.

“He had a knack at getting people to be better at what they do, to give more and to help others.”