Clinton Keown from Evansville, Indiana, passed away on September 22 in an automobile accident. A renowned athlete for both basketball and baseball, Keown was also a popular poker player in the community.
Keown, born February 25, 1980, had $171,271 in lifetime earnings according to the Hendon Mob, which included a career-high $36,480 for finishing ninth in the 2005 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit $10,000 Championship Event at Horseshoe Southern Indiana.
As word of Keown’s passing spread, several players offered their condolences on social media.
“The poker world lost one of the greatest genuine gamblers to ever bet on themselves to a fatal car accident,” wrote Michael Laake. “He was every bit of the next generation’s Huck Seed. Absolute master and legend of the game.”
Pej Premo shared: “The second time I ever met him he was flicking yellow 1k chips against a wall with some old man, outside of the RIO smoking area by the main stairs. He said whoever gets closest to the wall picks up the other guy’s chip and puts it in their pocket. RIP”
Many people remember Keown’s ability to win various basketball-related bets.
“I remember playing in a cash game at the Kennel Club and he got someone to bet him 10k he would make 85/100 3pts,” wrote Ryan Gianquitti. “Me being a basketball guy myself wanted to see this first hand. So I went to the LA fitness where this was happening and sure enough, he picks up a shitty ball, not even a good one takes a few warm-up shots, and continues to hit like 90+ out of 100. Pretty wild.”
“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.”
Stephen Schweikarth reminisced: “Dec 2008. First time in Vegas. Around midnight on my first night, I was on the rail watching Clinton Keown playing at the Bellagio poker room. A young Asian kid walked up and we started chatting. He said, “See that guy in the Polo hat?” I said yes, not telling him I knew Clint:). He proceeds to tell me that Clint took $10k of his buddy shooting 3s. Clint and I weren’t close. I tried to avoid any table he was playing at. He was always friendly and always a great conversationalist. The community of Evansville lost a LEGEND.”
An obituary for Keown read: “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 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.”
“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.”
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.
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