Walter Edward Clark b. 31 May 1889 Centerville, UT d. 21 July 1987 Provo, UT

Walter Edward Clark was the first child born to Alice Randall and Edward Barrett Clark. He was born on 31 May 1889 at Centerville, Utah. When Walter was four years old, he and his mother moved to Georgetown, Idaho, since it was advised that plural wives be kept in separate states. Most people didnʼt know which Clark was his father. Walter learned to work hard as a boy. He spent some summers in Farmington to learn how to farm. He took over the Georgetown ranch when he was 14 years old.

On 3 March 1920 he married Violet Catherine Christensen. Three years later, he enrolled at Brigham Young University. He was a member of the debate team and graduated as valedictorian. He and Violet had two sons, Wayne and Alan. When Violet died of cancer in 1930, Walter was very lonely. His sister introduced him to her nursing instructor, and after receiving a spiritual confirmation, he proposed to Lela Blanche Willett. They were married on 3 June 1933 and had five children: Glenn, Owen, Nolan, Gladys, and Virgil.

Walter spent several years teaching school. He was instrumental in the establishment of a high school in Georgetown, and in improving the curriculum. He taught the subjects the other teachers didnʼt feel qualified to teach, but mathematics and history were his specialties. He commanded the respect of his students. He also served as principal and in 1947 he was appointed county superintendent of schools. He was involved with schools and education for 35 years.

All his life, Walter was a farmer. He did not enjoy farming, yet was successful at it. He greatly improved the farm from the time he took it over. He raised cattle, sheep, and the grain to feed the animals. New crops and different methods were continually tried. Most of the work was done by his six sons and he was glad that they were reared on a farm.

Walter was dedicated to the LDS Church. He served in the Northern States Mission from 1913 to 1916. He and Lela served another mission after retirement to the Southwest Indian Mission. He served as both a counselor to bishops, then as a bishop. He did much work on the stake level, including serving as a high councilman.

Walter served his community in many capacities, often serving as a chairman, treasurer, or board member. The organizations were varied: cattlemen, irrigation, soil conservation, gas rationing, and census. He was an officer for both the County and State Farm Bureau Association, and the Treasurer for the Village Board of Georgetown. He was very independent, a good public speaker and an honest man. His opinion on many matters was sought after and followed.

At the age of 81 he retired from the ranch in Idaho and moved next to his daughter in Provo. He kept himself busy clearing rocks from the ground, planting lawn, flowers, and a garden. He stayed active until near the end of his 98 years—even climbing to the top of trees at the church welfare farms to pick the cherries and apples.