George Kenneth Clark

May 15, 1933 – July 19, 2025

George Kenneth Clark, affectionately known as Ken, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, with his beloved wife, Rachel, by his side. Born in Louisville, KY, as one of 13 children to Elonzo and Loretta Clark, Ken’s journey took him from the heart of Louisville to a new chapter in San Bernardino, California, where he earned his GED at San Bernardino High School in 1956.

From a young age, Ken’s hardworking spirit shone through. At just 16, he started working as a tow truck driver for Charlie’s Wrecking Service. When he first arrived in California, he found employment at Gibson Lumber Company, where he dedicated 13 years of his life, including six years as the manager. His dedication extended beyond his role as manager—Ken also worked as a painting contractor to support his family and ensure his children could pursue higher education.

In 1963, he founded Clean Cutter Tiller Blades, a one-man business selling blades for rototillers and farming equipment. Simultaneously, he opened two lively cocktail lounges—Ken’s Corner and Ken’s Lounge—in San Bernardino, which he successfully ran for a decade. Eventually, Ken decided to focus fully on his growing business at Clean Cutter, which, over 62 years, blossomed into a respected enterprise with clients across the United States and internationally. When he retired last year, his company employed seven dedicated team members, and he maintained strong relationships with blade manufacturers in Italy, China, and Spain.

Beyond his business pursuits, Ken was deeply committed to community service. He was a proud member of the San Bernardino Breakfast and Sunset Rotary Clubs, Elks Lodge #836, and served on the San Bernardino Sister Cities Committees with Mexicali-Villahermosa, Mexico, and Tachikawa, Japan. Ken was always eager to lend a helping hand—whether volunteering to feed the homeless at Mary’s Mercy Center, supporting the Soap Box Derby and Rotary’s Tinman Triathlon, or assisting during the annual fireworks sales for the Sister Cities. His generosity came from a kind heart—often paying for a stranger’s groceries, treating someone to a meal, or buying shoes for those in need. Growing up in a large family with limited resources, Ken understood the value of hard work and caring for others. His legacy of kindness will live on through his family and friends.

Ken’s passions included cars and hunting. He loved classic automobiles, proudly displaying his vintage cars at San Bernardino’s Route 66 Rendezvous, and enjoyed hunting elk and deer on annual trips in Utah and Arizona with his friends and family. Being around Ken meant you were in for a fun experience. With a larger-than-life personality and an incredible sense of humor, he was sure to make you laugh.

Ken and Rachel shared nearly 33 wonderful years of marriage, traveling together to Italy, Mexico, China, Japan, Canada, and the Caribbean. They cherished time at their beach house in Ensenada and their mountain homes in Crestline and Lake Gregory, often hosting friends and family from around the world.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rachel; three children—Shannon Fraley and her husband Lee, George Kenneth “Red” Clark, and Michael and Sheila; nine grandchildren—Ryan, Nicklaus, Alexandria, Jake, Chase, Jenna, Cody, Tanner, and Lauren Clark Martinez; and five great-grandchildren—Bella, Addison, Cole, Ken Michael, and Keelie Ann. Ken was formerly married to Yolanda, the mother of his children. He is also survived by his brothers, David Lawrence (Barbara), Narvin “Butch” Clark of Louisville, Gus Clark (Marilyn) of Bardstown, KY, and Nancy Moja of Titusville, FL, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Margie Smith, William Clark, Elonzo Clark, Laura Boston, Jerry Clark, Eleanor Strait, Mary Lou Holden, and Dorothy Fulner.

A rosary and funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino. The rosary begins at 10 a.m., followed by the Mass at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Mary’s Mercy Center, P.O. Box 7563, San Bernardino, CA or online to www.marysmercycenter.org or the Lung Association at www.lung.org