Clarke Bumgarner

Lineman (1951)

Clarke Bumgarner was selected to the Hall of Fame for the support he has given to the Coffeyville Red Ravens over the many years he has been associated with the program.

Clarke participated in Coffeyville’s Field Kindley High School football program and was selected by unanimous vote to the All-Conference Team.  Clarke attended and played football for Coffeyville Community College during the 1951-52 school year.  While playing offensive tackle at CCC he was unanimously selected as an All-Conference and All-State player.

After Coffeyville, he continued his education at the University of Kansas, then joined the U.S. Army where he continued to play football.  He was selected as a Second Team All-American while in the armed forces.    Following his discharge from the Army, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, but chose to attend chiropractic school in Davenport, Iowa.    Clarke returned to Coffeyville and set up his chiropractic practice in September 1957.

In memory of his close friend, Wayne Hittle, who was killed during the Korean War, Clarke initiated the Wayne Hittle Memorial Trophy, which is the oldest award given at CCC. It is presented to each year’s outstanding Raven lineman.

Clarke’s Raven career did not end as a player.  He was the “Voice of the Red Ravens” for 15 years on radio station KGGF.  He was the founder and president of the Kansas Jayhawk Bowl Classic, which was in existence from 1983 until 1988.  Clarke has also served as president of the  alumni Association and the Quarterback Club; he was Chief Fund Raiser for the Original Student Union, and is a member of the Red Raven’s Letterman Association.

Clarke has also been extremely involved in community activities during the past 50 years.  He is past president of the Coffeyville Jaycees, and has been associated with the Boys’ Club, the Salvation Army, Four County Mental Health Association, USD 445, SEK Vo-Tech and Rotary Club.  Clarke has been Civil Defense Director, Chamber of Commerce Director, Cub Master, Boy Scout Counselor, and an Elder and Deacon of the Presbyterian Church.

Clarke and his wife, Joan, have four children, David, Dianne, Julie and Mary Ann.  David joined his father in the Bumgarner Chiropractic Clinic over 20 years ago.  Clarke remains active in his work.

Very few people have done so many things throughout their lives for Red Raven football as Clarke Bumgarner.