John Spencer Mcclenahan

A graveside inurnment service for John Spencer McClenahan, age 78, of Las Vegas, Nevada, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, at Cedar Hill Cemetery with Pastor David Baker officiating. Military honors will be observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

On July 31, 2021, the McClenahan-Baker family, and the Las Vegas community, unexpectedly lost one of its shining lights of compassion and generosity. John Spencer McClenahan (aka Dr. Magic) was found unresponsive at his west Las Vegas home by his son Jeff.

John was born on July 26, 1943, in Aurora, Colorado to John L. McClenahan and Mollie M. Starrett. He attended Newark High School in Newark, Ohio, where he developed a life-long interest in magic. John earned a BFA from the Ohio University in 1966. At OU he was a member of ROTC and after graduation John attended the U.S. Army Armor School in Ft. Knox, KY where he was awarded both the basic and advanced Armor Officer certifications. John served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War and for his service was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Combat Infantry Badge. In 1978 Captain McClenahan retired from the army and later become a life-time member of the American Legion Post 76. In 1981 John earned his BS in Hotel Management from UNLV and his AAS in Casino Technology from Clark County Community College. John worked in the hotel management business at different locations around the United States and in 1997 he retired to Las Vegas with his second wife, Joan Baker McClenahan.

In Las Vegas John’s passion for magic blossomed. He and Joan transitioned into Dr. and Mrs. Magic and became pillars of the Las Vegas volunteer corps. Their work at Sunrise Children’s Hospital, Summerlin Hospital, University Medical Center, and with the Metropolitan Police Department brought comfort, compassion, and education to countless members of the Las Vegas community. John’s dedication to those in need earned him the 2015 National Frist Humanitarian Award. John’s volunteer service also extended beyond Las Vegas. At his passing, he was President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Fantasma Ring 257 and Territorial IBM Vice President for Nevada. The Order of Merlin was granted to John for his 35 years of continuous membership with IBM. He was also a member of the Society of American Magicians, the Fellowship of Christian Magicians, and an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry.

John is survived by his son, Jeffrey McClenahan of Temecula, CA; sister, Susan Stockdale of Pittsboro, NC; stepsons, Peter Baker of Matthews, NC and Daniel Baker of Cary, NC; step-grandchildren, Caroline, Will, Emily, Daniel, and Kirsten of Cary, NC; and nephews, Aaron, Justin, and Parker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joan E. Baker McClenahan on January 20, 2021.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Candlelighters-Childhood Cancer Foundation, 8990 Spanish Ridge Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89148.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for John and his family.