Eugene ‘Gene' Clark, chief of staff for Maryland legislator, dies
Eugene 'Gene' Clark, the chief of staff for a Maryland legislator who was active in his fraternity, died of cancer May 27 at Northwest Hospital Center. The Westview resident was 81.
Born in Meridian, Mississippi, he was the son of Hassie Jane Clark and Willie Manning. He was raised by his grandmother, Mary Little, and was a 1961 graduate of East St. Louis Senior High School. He immediately enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Madrid, Spain and McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey.
He earned a degree at the University of Maryland's University College and later received a master's degree and doctorate in education from Morgan State University.
He founded E. Clark and Associates and worked in affirmative action and diversity as an equal employment opportunity officer and investigator.
Mr. Clark worked for the Baltimore City government and was an equal employment officer at the Maryland State Lottery.
He later became chief of staff for State Sen. Charles E. Sydnor III, a Democrat who represents District 44 in Southwest Baltimore County.
'Gene came to one of my campaign events and asked if I needed any help,' said Sen. Sydnor. 'He soon became my chief of staff, helped me on the campaign trail and suggested legislative ideas. He was straightforward and at times blunt.
'You knew where you stood with Gene. And if he cared for you, he worked hard for you. He loved doing constituent service and excelled at writing resolutions. He had a gift for colorful writing,' Sen. Sydnor said.
A 2023 article in The Baltimore Sun noted his service on the Baltimore County school board's Nominating Commission. He spoke at Morning Star Baptist Church Chapel in Woodlawn to stress that prospective school board candidates should be given a fair review before a permanent member is chosen.
In 1983, Mr. Clark joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and belonged to its Zeta Sigma Chapter in Baltimore. He served as the chapter's vice president and held other offices. In 2000, he was named its Sigma Man of the Year. He was also active in the Epsilon Nu Sigma Chapter in Baltimore County and was its president for three terms.
Friends said he was an accomplished cook and hosted Sunday dinners for college students. His guests recalled his fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. They said he mentored generations and often offered advice.
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'He was an excellent baker and was known for his coconut and carrot cakes,' said Sen. Sydnor. 'He taught life lessons to others in my Annapolis office, too.'
He was a member of the New Shiloh Baptist Church and sang in its choir. He was also active in the Baltimore Branch of the NAACP and belonged to the Baltimore County West Democratic Club.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at New Shiloh Baptist Church, 2100 N. Monroe St., where he was a member.
Survivors include two sisters, Tensley Henderson, of Southfield, Michigan, and Kathleen Burton, of Biloxi, Mississippi; and nieces and nephews.
Have a news tip? Contact Jacques Kelly at jacques.kelly@baltsun.com and 410-332-6570.
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