Edgar "Bean" Lee Clark

Born March 23, 1939 in Watkinsville, Georgia to the late Robert and Mattie Clark. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1940.

Edgar attended Northern High School in Detroit where he played basketball and ran track. At the age of 20, he moved to Fullerton, Ca., when he was recruited to play basketball at Fullerton Junior College by the Hall of Fame coach Alex Omalev. From ’59 to ’61 he enjoyed an outstanding playing career at Fullerton College, being the key component in leading the Hornets to a runner-up spot in the State Championship in ’60 and the Championship in ’61. Edgar was the state MVP in ’61 and still holds strong in the Fullerton College record books as one of the school’s leading all time scorers. He also helped the Hornets win their first State team title in Track and Field under Hall of Fame FC coach Jim Bush. Following his time at Fullerton College, Edgar continued his athletic career at Orange State College (Now Cal State Fullerton), again under Alex Omalev, where he became the college’s first All-American and helped lead the team to the NAIA tournament.

Edgar was married to Mary Ellen Cvengros in 1962. To this union 3 children were born, Robert Edward, Terri Ann and Tracy Lynn. Later in life Edgar met Janice Fisher and after a long courtship, they were married in 1985. From this union, Edgar got a bonus son, Ray Barker.

After his playing days, Edgar devoted 30 years to the Alpha Beta supermarket chain, as a Forklift driver/warehouseman, retiring in 1994. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his loving wife Janice and planning gatherings with his family and friends. Despite physical challenges later in life, Edgar remained active in the Fullerton community volunteering his time and talents to the Leon Owens Foundation. He served as a dedicated member and the organizations Financial Assistant, helping provide financial scholarships to deserving students across Southern California. He also remained closely connected to the Hornets, often seen courtside in his scooter at home games, offering support and encouragement. In 2023, Edgar was honored with a Fullerton College men’s basketball scholarship named in his honor recognizing his lasting impact on both the college and the City of Fullerton. The Edgar Clark “Character of a Man” scholarship will support future Hornet basketball players in achieving their academic goals.

“Bean”, as he was called by many who loved him, departed this life on January 16, 2026 after a long battle with cancer. He passed at home surrounded by all his children.

Edgar was preceded in death by his wife, Janice and his siblings Nellie Pierce and Robert Clark, Jr. He will be remembered and cherished by his children; Robert Clark (Amy), Ray Barker, Terri Stewart (Stanley), and Tracy Clark; his grandchildren, Brianna Shah (Sabin) and Jordyn Richardson (Zachary); his great-grandchildren, Kavian Shah and Malakai Richardson; his sisters in Detroit, Sadie Jackson (Kenneth), Delores DePriest and Gloria Clark Price, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Edgar “Bean” Clark’s impact will be felt for a generation as a champion, a mentor, a servant and a legend that lives on in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Friendship Baptist, located at 17145 Bastanchury Rd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886. The service is scheduled for February 13, 2026, starting at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leon Owens Foundation, 1105 S. Euclid St Suite D-349, Fullerton, CA 92832. More information can be found at www.leonowensfoundation.org