Kenneth L Clark

Kenneth L Clark, Sr., born in Vernon, TX on June 11, 1935, the oldest son of Edward Bolen Clark, Jr, and Gladys Priscilla Clark, died in San Antonio on January 9, 2024, at the age of 88.  In addition to his roles as a loving father, devoted partner, grandfather, great-grandfather, loyal friend and mentor, he was known for a long and storied career as a civil trial attorney in San Antonio.

As a child of the Great Depression and the son of two school teachers, Ken learned the value of hard work at a very young age. Working many jobs before and after school, which included school bus driver and assistant high school coach.  His childhood instilled in him a great appreciation for the outdoors.

Ken joined the Marines at age 18 in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1956, after serving almost all that time in Korea.  He received a United Nations ribbon, the National Defense Service ribbon, and the Korean Service ribbon.

Following his service as a marine in the Korean War, Ken attended North Texas College, followed by the University of Texas Law School, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1961, served as a Quiz Master and was a member of Phi Delta Pi.

Upon admission to the State Bar of Texas, he went to work as counsel for Conoco Philips in Amarillo.  Ultimately, he found his way to the San Antonio law community and was a partner of several civil law offices specializing in personal injury defense, including Huson, Clark, Thornton, and Summers, and Clark & Gamble.  Ken was Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury and served as a member and officer of several trial attorney organizations, including the American Board of Trial Advocates (Past President, San Antonio Chapter) and Association of Defense Counsel.

Ken truly loved being a trial attorney.  He was a trial lawyer’s lawyer.  Ken was known throughout Texas and beyond for his unique combination of courtroom talent and litigation strategy.  As a testament to his reputation and skill, Ken was one of only a select few attorneys from across the nation chosen by ABOTA in 1993 to conduct mock trials at the University of Warsaw to assist Poland with its post-Cold War judicial reform.  What made Ken unique was that he was a relentless and tireless advocate for his clients, but at the same time was respectful and civil to opposing counsel.  After an illustrious career of over 40 years, Ken retired from private practice.

After a brief retirement (which allowed Ken to travel to numerous foreign countries with his beloved partner, Myrna Kay “MK” Daley), Ken returned to his life’s passion and joined the City of San Antonio litigation department and was eventually promoted to Deputy Chief of Litigation.  After almost 11 years with the City, Ken retired to spend more time with his extended family.  His dedication, professionalism, big heart, humility, generosity, and humorous nicknames will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 28, 2024, from 4-6 pm at the Army Residence Community (Sky Lounge) 7400 Crestway San Antonio Texas 78239  for sharing stories and memories of Ken’s life and career.  Donations in his memory can be made to:  Marine Corp Heritage Foundation or the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.