If you grew up anywhere near the Tri-State area in the late nineties, you knew the name. Clint Keown wasn’t just an athlete; he was a kind of folk hero with curly hair and a jumper that seemingly never missed. Honestly, hearing the news of the Clint Keown obituary Evansville Indiana residents have been sharing feels like the end of an era for local sports. He was 44. It’s the kind of loss that makes a whole city stop and look back at what they had.
He died on September 22, 2024. It was a Sunday. He was driving back to Evansville from a golf outing in Robinson, Illinois, when his Tesla struck a guardrail on County Road 1400 E in Crawford County. The car rolled. It’s the kind of freak, tragic accident that doesn’t care about how many points you scored or how many people loved you.
Why the Clint Keown Obituary Evansville Indiana Community is Sharing Matters So Much
Clint was different. That’s the phrase you hear over and over. Most guys are good at one thing. Clint was good at everything. He was the kid who could pick up a pool cue, a deck of cards, or a golf club and beat you before you even finished your first drink. At Reitz Memorial High School, he was a titan.
He scored ,766 career points. That put him fourth all-time in Evansville history. He wore number 33, and if you go to the Memorial gym today, you’ll see that jersey hanging in the rafters. It’s not just there for show; it’s there because he earned it with a kind of intensity that most people just don't have. He was an Indiana All-Star in 1998 and the runner-up for Mr. Basketball. Think about that—runner-up for the biggest individual prize in a state that treats basketball like a religion.
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But it wasn't just hoops. He played football for only two years and ended up an all-state wide receiver. Basically, he was a cheat code in a high school uniform.
The Professional Journey and the "Gambler" Spirit
After high school, he stayed home to play for the University of Evansville. He was a key part of that 1998-99 team that went to the NCAA Tournament. That was the last time the Aces made the Big Dance, by the way. He and Coach Jim Crews didn't always see eye-to-eye—two high-intensity personalities in one room—and Clint eventually transferred to USC Aiken.
Down in South Carolina, he just went off. He averaged 24.7 points per game, finishing second in the nation in scoring. Then, just to prove a point, he played baseball. He stole 52 bases in 53 games, which is a record that still feels fake when you say it out loud. The Cincinnati Reds saw him run a 6.4-second 60-yard dash and signed him to a contract on the spot.
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He played a season with the Dayton Dragons, but then he just... quit. He told people he could make more money playing poker. And he did. He wasn't interested in the "regular" 9-to-5 life. He lived on his own terms, betting on himself because he usually knew he had the best hand.
Beyond the Stats: A Father and a Mentor
The Clint Keown obituary Evansville Indiana newspapers published tells you about the athlete, but the people at Holy Rosary Catholic Church will tell you about the man. He was a "Bonus Dad" to Liam and Leighton and a devoted father to his son, Colby. He coached Colby’s tee-ball team and a fifth-grade basketball squad with the same fire he used to play with.
He was a guy who would stop and talk to anyone. You've probably met people like him—people who make you feel like you’re the only person in the room. He served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club. He didn't just give money; he gave time.
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He leaves behind his wife, Hannah, his parents Rick and Julie, and his siblings Katie and Casey. He was preceded in death by his brother, Cory. That’s a lot of weight for one family to carry, but the turnout at his visitation—an estimated 1,500 people—shows just how much he meant to the fabric of Evansville.
Actionable Ways to Honor Clint’s Legacy
If you're looking for a way to process this or give back, here are a few things that actually matter:
- Support the Boys and Girls Club of Evansville: Clint was a big believer in the power of mentorship. A donation or volunteering your time there directly mirrors his commitment to the city's youth.
- Contribute to the Clint Keown Memorial Fund: There are various community-led efforts to support his family, specifically for his son Colby’s future.
- Coach a Youth Team: Clint loved the grit of the game. If you have the skills, get out on a court or a diamond. Teach a kid how to handle a loss and how to win with class.
- Visit the Memorial High School Gym: Take a second to look at that #33 jersey. Remember that greatness doesn't always come from being 7 feet tall; sometimes it comes from being the guy who refuses to lose.
Clint Keown was a legend who lived at a different speed than the rest of us. He was a husband, a father, a gambler, and arguably the greatest athlete to ever come out of the 812. He won't be forgotten.