Pittsburg County Sheriff Frankie McClendon Dies at Age 60

Pittsburg County Sheriff Frankie McClendon died Friday at age 60, less than two weeks after he won an election with 60 percent support, according to NonDoc reporting.

McClendon’s passing leaves a sudden vacancy at the top of county law enforcement following a 37-year career spent primarily with the McAlester Police Department and the sheriff’s office. He is survived by his wife, Sherri, and two children.

District Attorney James Green said the two offices functioned without interruption under McClendon's oversight.

“Frankie was a good man and a fine law enforcement officer who dedicated his life to serving the citizens of Pittsburg County,” Green said in a statement. “We had a great working relationship, and the DA’s office and sheriff’s office worked as a team under his leadership.”

Hospitalized over the weekend, McClendon is believed to have sustained a brain bleed that may have predated the election. Although he was inadvertently struck with a football helmet about a month prior, the exact origin of the medical issue remained unclear.

Pittsburg County Sheriff Frankie McClendon Dies at Age 60

State and local leaders quickly offered tributes to the longtime public servant. Rep. Tim Turner (R-Kinta), who previously served as Haskell County Sheriff, noted a fifteen-year professional relationship.

“Frankie was a great man, a true friend and a dedicated public servant,” Turner said in a statement. “I was fortunate to know him for over 15 years and witnessed his unwavering commitment to the people of Pittsburg County. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Our hearts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire sheriff’s office during this heartbreaking time.”

Current Haskell County Sheriff Terry Garland remembered his neighbor as exceptionally level-headed and collaborative, recalling how quickly McClendon signed off on a memorandum of understanding between neighboring agencies within District Attorney District 18.

County sheriff dies days after winning election — KJRH -TV | Tulsa | Channel 2

“He said, ‘Send it over!’ He had it signed in a day,” Garland recalled. “He was so great to work with and to get along with. (…) Everyone should be as easy to work with.”

Sequoyah County Sheriff Larry Lane echoed those sentiments, noting that McClendon frequently called for advice despite already knowing the answers.

“I always enjoyed our conversations and appreciated the friendship we shared,” Lane said. “He was a good man who genuinely cared about others. He will be missed.”

On Monday, the Pittsburg County Board of Commissioners named Sgt. Josh Kious as McClendon’s undersheriff, stepping into a role that had been unsettled following the recent resignation of Loyd London. The board must still name an acting sheriff in a separate vote.

McClendon had previously served as undersheriff for Sheriff Chris Morris, taking over as acting sheriff in 2025 after Morris resigned. On Nov. 3, McClendon defeated former McAlester police officer Bobby Cox in the county’s first general election for sheriff since 2012.

During an Oct. 28 debate against Cox, McClendon emphasized the continuous nature of public safety work.

“When the jail doors lock at night and the patrol cars head out, the responsibility of the sheriff’s office doesn’t stop,” McClendon said in his closing statement.

“This office operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, seven days a week. Deputies respond to emergencies, detention officers are responsible for the safety and security of those in custody. A dispatcher answers call for help. These aren’t just numbers on a piece of paper. They are real responsibilities involving real people and real families.”

McClendon’s death marks the second time in four years that an elected Oklahoman has died days after winning an election, following the 2022 death of David Hammer in Pottawatomie County after being elected district attorney.