After Clark's service in the military, his return to Hollywood, an unsuccessful marriage to Lady Sylvia Ashley, and after quite a few years of playing the field, Clark rekindled an old acquaintance with Kathleen Spreckels whom he had met many years before.

One of the funny stories I read about Kay concerned one of her first dates with Gable. From the account I read, Clark was supposed to have made a rather forward and presumptuous advance to Kay. The story goes that Gable suggested to Kay "Why don't you go upstairs and get undressed?" Kay basically told Gable, "Why don't you go sh-t in your hat." There are not that many women on God's green earth that would have told Gable to go sh-t in his hat. GOOD GOING, KAY!!!! Seems to me, that Kay was giving Gable the same comeuppance that Carole Lombard would have. Maybe that’s why he loved those two women so much. They didn't let the "King" label get in the way.

Another funny story that Kay told in her biography, "Clark Gable, A Personal Portrait", was about one of her first visits to the ranch before becoming the wife of Clark. The story goes: Clark picked Kay up and they proceeded to the ranch. The ranch was beautiful at that time of the year, the oleander trees with the white blossoms, groves of orange and lemon trees, and the 1/2 mile stretch of climbing roses. Once inside they enjoyed some champagne and caviar. Jessie the newly hired cook announced dinner. Kay said they were not alone for dinner, Clark's dachshund Commission, hunting dog Bobby and Siamese cat Simon were at hand. Jessie, a rather rotund person, entered the room carrying a large Spode platter with a tremendous roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and gravy, precariously carrying it with one hand over her head. Jessie then tripped over the braided rug and down went Jessie and the dinner, pudding and gravy went everywhere. The roast beef was retrieved by none other than Bobby, Clark's hunting and retrieving dog. Commission gathered what pieces Bobby had missed. Simon had retrieved the Yorkshire pudding, all going in opposite directions to claim their portions. Clark had gravy on his face and Kay had gravy on one of her best dresses. They sat there laughing hysterically. Clark had his secretary take Jessie to the hospital. Jessie ended up with a broken wrist. Clark and Kay cleaned up the mess and then Kay made eggs and bacon for their dinner. Kay reported that at a later time, Clark called and asked her out for dinner and Kay thought maybe he should just send her the money, since the last time they had dinner together he had to pay for the food, hospital bill for Jessie, rugs to be cleaned... you get the drift.

On July 11, 1955 Clark Gable wed his fifth and last wife Kathleen Spreckels in Minden, Nevada. Kay had two children from a previous marriage Bunker and Joan. They decided to stay at the ranch that Gable and Lombard had originally purchased. Kay felt it was a wonderful place to raise the children and Clark loved the ranch so much. This was the life Clark had longed for. He had finally found a good woman. He was able to live on the ranch he loved with a family. Yes, FAMILY finally came for Clark Gable. Family life brought to Gable many things. The family went swimming, fishing and bicycling. He encouraged the children to get into 4-H clubs and he would throw "grounders" with Bunker. Kay and Clark went fishing and hunting together. They also had their share of the formal parties, etc., but home life is what Clark Gable truly wanted and with Kay, he achieved a happy, contented home life. I think all of Clark's friends and fans were so happy for Clark for finally having achieved a happy, settled, new life style. Kay would have a nice fire going on some of those rather chilly California evenings. Kay would have the electric fans going in the summer to create a nice breeze. Kay and Clark would have "children's hour" which they spent playing games with Bunker and Joan. This had to be an especially comforting atmosphere for Clark. Kay deserved all the credit for making this a truly tension-free home for Clark.

During the filming of "The Misfits" in Reno, Nevada, Clark and Kay found out they were to be parents. Kay had had a miscarriage in the early part of their marriage, but now they were going to be parents. They learned this wonderful news on Kay's 43rd birthday. The baby was due to arrive in March. They kept the news a secret until they were assured that they were out of danger of a miscarriage. As jubilant as Clark was to have a baby in the house, he was very upset over his work situation. The set of "The Misfits" was not a happy place from what I have read. There were numerous delays, it was hot and dry with temps in the 100's and tension abounded everywhere. Clark took on strenuous scenes in the hot desert of Nevada. He was forever waiting for everyone on the film to get their act together so he volunteered to do strenuous scenes of roping horses and being dragged behind a truck at 30 mph. Finally, "The Misfits" was completed and Clark felt it was one of his best films since "Gone With The Wind." Clark had planned to be at home for the remainder of Kay's pregnancy. He wanted to be around when his baby was born.

We have seen the contentment in Clark's life, now we must see the tragedy unfold again. Saturday, November 5, 1960 was the last day that Clark spent on the ranch that he loved. He had his dog out in the back field and worked the dog. He also played with Bunker and Joan. He later became quite tired and restless and Kay sent him to bed early to get some much needed rest. At 4:00 a.m. he awakened with a headache and Kay gave him some aspirin and he went back to sleep until about 8:00. Kay awoke and found Clark getting dressed when he complained "he had a terrible pain" and thought it was indigestion. Kay did not like his color and proceeded to contact the doctor, of course, at Clark's protests. When the doctor arrived he immediately called for an ambulance and Clark was taken to the hospital. Yes, Clark was having a coronary. Kay had angina on and off during her marriage to Clark so she must have seen the warning signs that morning.

After a few days, Clark borrowed the doctor's stethoscope and listened to his unborn child's heartbeat. Kay said he often liked for her to stand sideways so he could see her silhouette. The doctors had explained that for a coronary patient the 10th day is generally a crucial one. Kay counted the days. On the ninth day, she went home for some supplies for Clark and she broke down and wept probably for the first time since it all began. She returned to the hospital to be with Clark with many items in hand. On Wednesday, November 16, 1960 they were much encouraged. Kay had brought in some letters and telegrams for Clark to read from his well wishers. Kay said Clark looked so handsome and serene that particular day. He looked twenty years younger and his expression was strangely peaceful. She had heard it said that the flame burns brightest just before it flickers out, but she never took this to mind. They had dinner together that evening and about 10 minutes after 10:00, Kay felt a little angina coming on, so she made an excuse to go to an adjoining room to get some rest. She kissed her husband and gave him a hug with the promise of returning when the nurses readied him for bed that evening. She told him she loved him and then went into another room. She dozed off for just a little while when a doctor and a nurse came into her room and broke the news. Clark had passed away. The nurse assured Kay that Clark had gone peacefully. He simply closed his eyes and his head went back on the pillow and he was gone. It happened at 10:50 P.M. November 16, 1960. Clark was gone. Never to see his ranch again. Never to be in another film. Never to be with his beloved wife. Never to be with Bunker and Joan again. Most tragic of all, never to see his unborn son, whom he greatly anticipated.

I've heard the saying "that when God closes one door, he opens another." Well, another door was opened the day John Clark Gable came into this world. Hello John, we all were waiting for you!

DISCLAIMER: The information presented here was collected from publicly aired and published sources. All materials are used without permission of their creators (who legally hold their respective copyrights). Where known, all articles and photos include credit information. Should any specific materials presented herein be considered in violation of copyright laws, the holder of the copyright should and the offending material will be promptly removed.