HORNET HALL OF FAMER EDGAR "BEAN" CLARK PASSES
Edgar “Bean” Clark, a beloved member of the Fullerton community and a true Hornet legend passed away recently leaving behind a legacy defined by excellence, character, and service.
Edgar arrived in Fullerton in the summer of 1959 from Detroit, Michigan following FC Hall of Fame coach Alex Omalev. From 1959 to 1961, he enjoyed an outstanding career at Fullerton College as both a basketball standout and elite track athlete earning his place among the college's all-time greats.
On the basketball court, Edgar helped lead the Hornets to a State Championship runner-up finish in 1960 and a State Championship title in 1961. That championship season saw Edgar earn State MVP honors, All-Tournament Team recognition, and All-American honors. His name remains prominent in the record books as one of the program's leading all-time scorers. Edgar, alongside Leonard Guinn, still holds the record for two players scoring 1,462 points in a single season.
Edgar was equally exceptional on the track competing under Hall of Fame coach Jim Bush. He excelled in the 100-yard dash, 220-yard dash, and relay events, posting personal bests of 9.6 seconds in the 100 and 20.6 seconds in the 220, times that met the 1960 Olympic Games standard. He was part of numerous national record-holding relay teams alongside fellow FC Hall of Famer Leroy Neal and helped the Hornets capture their first state team title in track during the 1961 season.
Following his time at Fullerton College, Edgar continued his athletic career at Orange State College (now Cal State Fullerton), again under Coach Omalev, where he became the college's first All-American and helped lead the team to the NAIA Tournament.
After his playing days, Edgar devoted 30 years of service to the Alpha Beta supermarket chain, retiring in 1994. In retirement, he continued to give back volunteering his time and talents to the Leon Owens Foundation serving as a dedicated member and the organization's Financial Assistant, helping provide scholarships to deserving students across Southern California.
Despite physical challenges later in life, Edgar remained active in the Fullerton community and was closely connected to the Hornets, often seen courtside at home games offering support and encouragement.
Above all, Edgar was a devoted family man. He shared more than 50 years of marriage with his loving wife Janice Clark, and together they enjoyed traveling and exploring the country in their motor home. Edgar was most proud of his family: his son Robert and wife Amy, daughters Terri and husband Stan, and Tracy Clark, a four-time All-American at USC in volleyball; stepson Ray Barker; and granddaughters Brianna and Jordyn Stewart.
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.
Edgar "Bean" Clark's impact will be felt for generations as a champion, a mentor, a servant, and a Hornet through and through.
Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet.
The funeral service for Edgar Clark will be on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:00 am at Friendship Baptist Church, 17145 Bastanchury Road, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Please find the live stream link for the service – you may share it with any of your family members. Edgar: https://www.youtube.com/live/dyQjT0XxHMQ?si=4VrHa7BGufkNio7d. You may also watch it on Friendship's YouTube page, it will be a public link so anyone will be able to watch.
