Gentle Giant Kenneth Eugene Morgan Clark Goes To His Creator

I first met Kenny "Gene" Morgan Clarke when I was in ninth grade. I just moved from St. Anthony's School to Dean Morgan. I was lost. Hadn't really been exposed to public schools in Casper and was literally walking around like a chicken with my head cut off. One day I was leaving the cafeteria in Dean Morgan Junior High and a group of "dudes" started to harass me when this very tall, black kid came up to the group of kids giving me a hard time and said "I think you guys need to move on."  Gene went on to have an incredible basketball career in Casper. But for me. From there a friendship was established that would last a life time. After a few dances in the gym I realized I needed some dance lessons. I was an awkward white kid he was a smooth African American kid, thrust in the political turmoil that was the "60"s,  that really knew every one and more importantly knew how to dance.

So again Kenny came to my rescue. I asked my parents if I could ask him over to spend the night and they said "great."  The look on my brothers and sisters faces was classic when a 6'8" African American kid from north Casper came over to hang out with a short white kid living in south Casper, and spent the night was to say the least awkward. Friday nights were spent at "mixers" at a small place called the "Canteen" which was next to the old fire station on David. I realized I needed Kenny's help. If I was to be successful on a social level I was going to need some help. By the end of the weekend Kenny was literally sitting in the living room, hanging out in the kitchen, and helping my dad cook steaks. But most importantly were the lessons in the bed room. I couldn't dance. He could. We were putting Marvin Gaye songs on the small record player and he taught me how to dance. For that my friend Gene I am indebted to you. The next time he saved my life was when we were Juniors at NCHS. I was one of the only "hippies" in the school wearing beads, wire glasses, and bell bottoms that I got out of a Sears catalog. The jocks were looking to get me to fight an all state wrestler in what was known as the "C" Club Fights. After weeks of harassment, (I'm wearing beads, bell bottoms, and Art Hill thought I was a target) I said ok I'd fight Ron Harriss in the "C" Club fights. It was Kenny and Louis Belving that took me aside, worked with me in the ring, and during the actual fight, that brought it home. I won the fight. In the years that passed Gene and I took a unique path. He went on to work for years with addicts and alcoholics to bring many into recovery. I followed years later. God now has Kenny Morgan and He has a special gift. What follows is Gene's story. You will be missed in the lives of many Gene. God Bless You.

Casper Wyoming

March 28, 1951 - September 15, 2014

Kenneth Eugene Morgan Clark, 63 of Casper, Wyoming received his angel wings September 15, 2014, passing peacefully in his favorite chair. Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014 at Rock of Ages Church 11:00 a.m., at 956 North Poplar Street, with reception following. There will be a viewing on September 24, 2014 at Newcomer Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

He was born March 28, 1951 to Margie Morgan and Herman Plummer in Austin, Texas. He moved to Wyoming in 1958 with his siblings Theola, Bubba, and Brenda. He graduated from NCHS in 1970. He played basketball for Casper College in 1971-1972. He then attended University of Wyoming in 1973-1974 where he excelled at a number of sports such as football and basketball. He excelled so much at basketball; he made the NBA Olympic team in 1972. Although he went on to suffer a disabling back injury, he continued to contribute his love and knowledge of basketball, coaching the AAU Casper Storm traveling team from 2001-2002. He was a prominent member of the community providing drug, alcohol, and gang advocacy. Kenneth met the love of his life Kathy Ann Knox Clark in 1987 and they married seven years later on June 25, 1994. He worked for New Horizons/CWCC for 12 years working with many, helping them on the road to recovery. He loved watching his favorite westerns and basketball. He loved to spend time with his wife Kathy and son J, traveling to various places. He also loved spending time with his grandson Javeiha whom he loved very much, and with his granddaughters Brittany and Rach’l. He loved sponsoring those in need, within the community. He could always be seen on his porch socializing with everyone, who passed by. He will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by anyone who knew him. Kenneth is survived by his children, Johnathen Knox, Gene Clark, and Michelle Waddy. He is also survived by grandchildren, Javeiha, Rach’l and Brittany, along with many other grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Theola, Brenda, and Bubba; and his lovely wife, Kathy Ann Knox Clark.