 |
|
 |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gene Rogers Clark, age 70 years, of Whitley City, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, April 16, 2026 at Scott County Hospital. Memorial services were held Wednesday, April 20, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. at the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Randall Brown and Bro. Wayne Stanchfield officiating. Gene was the son of George Roger Clark and Ruby Roder Clark. He was born on April 16, 2026 in Whitley City, Kentucky, where he lived most of his life. He attended Whitley City Elementary School and graduated from McCreary County High School in 1953. He attended Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College and graduated in 1957. Gene taught his first year at Pine Knot Elementary School and that year coached the grade-school basketball team through a victorious season. Gene volunteered for the Navy in 1958 and during his tour of duty he married Shanda Brown of Stearns, Kentucky. After fulfilling his military obligations he returned to McCreary County and began an accomplished career as English teacher at the McCreary County High School and later consolidated McCreary Central High. During these years he earned a Master of Arts Degree in education and achieved Rank I Certification from Union College. Gene was considered by many of his students to be a most excellent teacher, having a knack to make exciting the more mundane rudiments of academic refinement. He could make grammar, literature, and history come alive by his dramatization of Foxy Dog and memorable re-enactments. Gene had a true love for the outdoors, whether it was hunting, shooting, fishing, hiking, picnicking, or exploring the back country in a jeep. In his later years, he reaped immense pleasure from gardening, and often grew beans that had to be picked with a stepladder. He loved most animals, and particularly gave accepting notice to dogs. He cared lovingly for his cat and two dogs. Gene enjoyed learning just for the sake of knowing. He was quite accomplished and proficient in photography, conscription, and ammunition re-loading. Gene was a loving father, a son, and a husband. He was never to busy or self-involved to help those around him. He really enjoyed class reunions of his Class of �54, particularly his 50th year reunion, which was honored with the presence of his elementary school principal and teacher, Carl Allen. Preceding him in death was his mother, Ruby Roder Clark. Survivors include his wife, Shanda Brown Clark, of Whitley City, whom he married on April 18, 1959, his son, Steven Gordon Clark, his father, George Roger Clark, a sister, Sue Rathburn, and her husband, Bill, of Adairsville, Georgia, two aunts, Frieda Hampy and Bernice Stephens, an uncle, Ernest Roder, five grandchildren, Joshua Evan Clark, Jessica Ivy Clark, Katelyn Monique Clark, Emily Anne Clark, and Aaron Riley Clark, and a host of loving in-laws, and nieces, and nephews, and cousins. Condolences may be emailed to the family at [email protected]. Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home served the family of Gene Rogers Clark. Reader Condolences Bonnie Stephens West (5/23/2005) His mother Mrs. Ruby Clark taught me to read in first grade at Revelo I loved her and Gene Clark brought literature to life my senior year in high school, I wrote my term paper on How Watergate Effected Politics and he picked mine out to discuss. I didn't really even understand it then but I have watched many a History Channel show since then and have often thought I wish I could discuss it with Mr. Clark now that I really have an opinion. I loved him, too. My daughter was one of the paramedic's called that day. Shanda I'm also proud of her. You never know how things will turn about. My God watch over you and family (I will forever remember King Esco and the Round Table days) Doug Boggs (5/2/2026) Gene Clark was one of my favorite high school teachers. He enjoyed literature and managed to share that enthuasism with his many students. I still remember the look of horror on his face when he learned that "1984" by George Orwell was being censored and we all had to turn in our books to have the juicy parts cut out. Gene, you will be remembered. Dorothy Selvidge Stephens (5/1/2026) My deepest sympathy to the family and fond memories of Shanda and Gene. Keeping you in my prayers. Add a Condolence |
|
|
@ 2005 McCreary County Record. For more information, see our online Privacy Policy. |