Clinton Wesley Walker

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Clinton Wesley Walker, devoted husband, father, grandpa and friend, returned home to his loving Heavenly Father on Monday, May 6, after a long and valiant struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. The 15th of 16 children, Clinton was born to Amelia Jane Grow and Levi Orson Walker on April 9, 1928, in Lyman.

Clinton grew up playing and working on the ranch in Wyoming, and he was doted on by his older sisters, even spending time living in three of their homes after the death of his mother when he was 5 years old. He left school during eighth grade to work and support himself, and he earned his GED later in life. He was one of the hardest working men that you would ever encounter.

At a Christmas dance in 1946, Clinton was reacquainted with a beautiful young woman named Merlin Bluemel. They began dating and were married on Aug. 11, 1947. Merlin was the love of his life, and they were blessed with five children. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in 1967. They were married for more than 71 years.

Clinton had a love for horses and was often found riding, shoeing, breaking, training, chasing or doctoring them. He had a natural ability when it came to animals. Friends and neighbors would often come to him for help and advice when caring for their animals. He also loved helping friends and family move cattle, hay and brand.

Clinton learned numerous skills growing up. He spent many years shearing sheep, earned a living as a carpenter, worked as a foreman at FMC, and eventually wound up working as a Wyoming Brand Inspector. He loved to hunt, and his sons have many precious memories of hunting trips to Big Piney, LaBarge Creek, Greys River and the Hoback. He was a great shot and was a deadeye with his .22 pistol.

Clinton gave back to the community and served in many capacities. He served on numerous boards, including the Lyman school board, the Bridger Valley Electric board, the senior citizens board, and as chairman of the 24th of July Rodeo Committee for many years. 

Clinton was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a bishop’s counselor, ward clerk and Scout leader for many years. He also served missions with his sweetheart Merlin in Nauvoo, Illinois, the Ogden Temple and as stake missionaries.

His life was spent caring for and loving his sweet wife Merlin, his children and grandchildren. Clinton had a great laugh and a big heart and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Merlin; three sons and two daughters: Jack C. Walker (Ginger) of Lake Kiowa, Texas; Vance B. Walker (Lisa) of Mountain View; Marilee Anderson (Guy) of Salt Lake City; Sonya Buckner (Mike) of Lyman; and Tyler Walker (Crystal) of Brigham City, Utah. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson, as well as his sister, Lorna Maxwell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, all of his other brothers and sisters and his granddaughter, Terri Lynne Walker.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, at the Lyman Stake Center in Urie. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Stake Center, and again from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., prior to the funeral on Saturday. Clinton will be laid to rest in the Lyman Cemetery.

The family would like to thank those at Legacy Village Memory Care in Taylorsville, Utah, for their patience and loving care of our dear dad for the past two years. We love and appreciate all of them.

Online condolences may be given at crandallfhevanston.com.