EVANSVILLE — Everyone has a Clint Keown story.
It was difficult to cross paths with him and not have one. Much of this had to do with his athletic achievements, some of which grew to legendary status over the years. He’s considered one of the top athletes from Evansville over the past 25 years, for good reason.
Something else also emerged over the years: People had Keown stories because they started revering his personality and spirit.
Claybourn: Remembering Clint Keown, an Evansville sports icon
The Memorial High School graduate passed away on Sunday following a single-car accident in Crawford County, Illinois. He was 44. Another passenger, Matthew Redd, suffered serious injuries and was taken to an Evansville hospital. Keown leaves behind a wife, two stepchildren, a young son, and many family members and friends. The news of his passing rocked many within and beyond the city limits.
“Everybody sort of lived vicariously through Clint,” said Pat Schulz, a Memorial grad and friend. “But I think when Clint met his wife and had his little boy, he matured as a family man. I was so proud of him for that. He was such a great dad. People see the grand figure of Clint Keown. Once you got to know him, he was a kind-hearted, giving person.”