Clinton Wayne Keown

Clinton Wayne Keown was different. Born in Evansville, Indiana, on February 25, 1980, Clint left us far too soon on September 22, 2024. He was not just a man defined by his unmatched athleticism but a soul revered for his deep love, unwavering loyalty, and the countless lives he touched beyond the arenas of sport. Clint was a legend in more ways than one-both on and off the field.
To his family, Clint was not just a competitor but a man who always put those he loved first. He was the devoted husband of Hannah and the proud father of Colby, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond. As a self proclaimed "Bonus Dad" to Liam and Leighton Nolen, Clint brought his characteristic dedication and warmth, embracing them fully as his own. Family was everything to Clint. Whether it was a quiet evening at home or cheering from the sidelines, he was in constant communication with those he loved, ensuring they knew how much they meant to him.
As a son, Clint carried the values instilled by his parents, Rick and Julie Keown, who fostered the competitive fire and compassion that would define him. His siblings, Katie (Hank) and Casey (Bissy), were not only family but his biggest supporters, and he theirs, always connected by a bond that transcended any distance. Clint was preceded in death by his brother, Cory, and his grandparents, Charlie and Anna Mae Haury, and James and Dorris Jean Keown. He leaves behind a large, loving extended family, including his cherished in-laws, the Jeff and Rhonda Hicks family, Halee (Jacob) Hicks, Lucian (Adrienne) Hicks, and Landon (Taylor) Hicks.
Clint's life was shaped not only by athletic accomplishments but by his dedication to faith and community. He was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club, giving back to the same community that had nurtured him. Clint believed in the power of sports to transform lives, and he committed himself to mentoring and coaching the next generation. Coaching Colby's tee-ball team and Q's fifth-grade basketball squad, Clint infused his passion into the kids he worked with, teaching them not just the skills of the game but the confidence and grit to succeed in life. His guidance helped young athletes grow, and his influence on their lives will be felt for years to come.
Of course, it would be impossible to talk about Clint without recognizing the sheer magnitude of his athletic achievements. His accolades are etched in the history of Evansville sports. As a basketball star at Reitz Memorial High School, Clint scored 1,766 points-fourth in city history-and was named an Indiana All-Star in 1998. His iconic number 33 hangs proudly in the rafters, a tribute to a career that inspired awe and respect. In football, though he only played for two years, he became an all-state wide receiver and caught the attention of scouts from major universities. Clint's journey continued through the University of Evansville and South Carolina-Aiken, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball, earning his place in the Memorial High School Hall of Fame.
But Clint was more than his stats. He was a man who competed with an intensity that could not be measured, who won not just games but hearts. He brought the same focus and drive to every facet of his life, whether it was mentoring young athletes, building his portfolio of residential rental properties, or simply spending time with his family. To those who knew him, Clint was not just the greatest athlete Evansville had ever seen-he was a kind, loyal, and generous man who cared deeply for those around him.
Clint's memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on through his beloved wife, children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and the countless friends and mentees whose lives he enriched. His impact on the world, on and off the field, will be felt long after we've stopped counting points or victories.
In this time of loss, we remember Clint not only for his legendary accomplishments but for the love he shared so freely with all who knew him. He will forever be missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire-an enduring symbol of the power of perseverance, passion, and love.
Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1301 S. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715 where a sharing of memories begins at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024 until 4:00 p.m. when a Mass of the Resurrection will begin with Fr. Bernie Etienne celebrating. Private burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1301 S. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715 or Memorial High School Athletic Department, 1500 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714.
Services are in the care of Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave, Evansville, IN 47711.