Verna Garver, the former wife of the renowned American actor and singer Clint Walker, has long been a subject of public curiosity.
Despite living a largely private life, her connection to the celebrated star has kept her in the spotlight.
This comprehensive article delves into the intriguing story of Verna Garver, shedding light on her early years, her marriage to Walker, and the legacy she left behind.
Quick Profile
Verna Lucille Garver Walker, famously known as the ex-wife of legendary actor Clint Walker, was born on April 16, 1927, in the United States.
She passed away on November 27, 2014, at the age of 87. Verna was an American citizen and identified with Christianity as her religion.
She was divorced and her sexual orientation was straight. As an Aries, she was born under the Zodiac sign representing courage and determination.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Full Name | Verna Lucille Garver Walker |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of Birth | April 16, 1927 |
| Date of Death | November 27, 2014 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Famous As | Ex-Wife of legendary actor Clint Walker |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
Verna Garver Early Life
Verna Lucille Garver was born on April 16, 1927, in the small town of Anna, nestled within Union County, Illinois.
She hailed from a family with deep American roots and a strong adherence to the Christian faith.
Her parents, Jesse Albert Garver and Cuba Mabel St John Garver, raised her in a household that valued tradition and faith.
While details about Verna’s educational pursuits remain elusive, it is evident that her life took a significant turn when she crossed paths with the charismatic Clint Walker, a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Verna Garver’s Parents
Unfortunately, comprehensive information about Verna Garver’s parents is scarce.
Jesse Albert and Cuba Mabel St. John Garver lived relatively private lives, leaving limited public records about their backgrounds and personal histories.
This lack of information is a common occurrence for individuals who lived away from the spotlight, especially in earlier decades.
Verna Siblings
Verna Garver was the youngest of three sisters in her family. Her elder siblings, Vera Luella Garver West and Virginia Lee Garver, played significant roles in her upbringing and shared in the family’s journey.
Vera Luella Garver West, born on March 29, 1923, in Pennsylvania, embarked on a unique path of her own.
She was married to Oscar J. Beatty and later to Lauren E. West. Vera and Oscar had two daughters, Pamela Dawn and Vera Sue. Sadly, Vera passed away on September 24, 2014, just two months before Verna’s own passing.
Virginia Lee Garver, born on November 11, 1924, found happiness in her marriage to James Voiles Wallace, who was her second husband. Together, they welcomed two children into their family, further expanding the Garver clan.
Verna Garver gained prominence after marrying Clint Walker
It was Verna Garver’s marriage to the illustrious Clint Walker that thrust her into the public eye. Although the details of their courtship remain undisclosed, the couple tied the knot in 1948, a year before Walker’s acting career took off.
“Verna Garver’s life was forever changed when she said ‘I do’ to the charming and talented Clint Walker, setting her on a path intertwined with Hollywood’s glitz and glamour.”
During their 20-year marriage, Verna and Clint welcomed their daughter, Valerie Walker, into the world. However, their union ultimately dissolved in 1968, long before Walker’s rise to fame as a celebrated actor.
Despite their divorce, Verna Garver’s association with her ex-husband continued to garner attention, primarily due to his subsequent success in the entertainment industry.
Clint Walker and Verna Garver were born in the year 1927
Coincidentally, both Verna Garver and Clint Walker were born in the same year, 1927. Clint, whose birth name was Norman Eugene Walker, entered the world on May 30, 1927, in Hartford, Illinois.
He was the son of Gladys Huldah and Arnold Walker, and he shared his birth year with his twin sister, Lucille Walker.
Clint’s early life was marked by humble beginnings. He attended local schools and took on various jobs, including working in a factory and on a riverboat.
At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Merchant Marine near the end of World War II.
Before his acting career took off, Clint worked as a deputy sheriff. It was his roles in “Jungle Gents” and “The Ten Commandments” that garnered attention and led to a favorable recommendation to Warner Bros.
In 1955, he landed the iconic role of Cheyenne Bodie in the television series “Cheyenne,” which propelled him to stardom as a nomadic cowboy hero in the post-Civil War American landscape.
Over the course of his four-decade acting career, Clint Walker captivated audiences with his towering 6-foot-6-inch stature and versatile talents.
To his acting prowess, he possessed a melodious voice, which he showcased in songs like “Whispering Hope,” “With These Hands,” “Love at Home,” and “I Believe.”
Verna Garver Daughter
From their union, Verna Garver and Clint Walker welcomed a daughter, Valerie Walker, into their family. Valerie would go on to forge her own path, becoming a trailblazer in the field of aviation.
Despite the challenges and gender biases prevalent in the industry during her time, Valerie Walker persevered and emerged as one of the early female pioneers in aviation.
Her remarkable career culminated in her retirement as an airline captain, shattering glass ceilings and inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams in the skies.
“Valerie Walker, the daughter of Verna Garver and Clint Walker, soared to new heights as a pioneering female airline pilot, leaving an indelible mark on the aviation industry.”
Valerie’s son, Cory Patton, is Verna Garver’s grandson, carrying on the family’s legacy through his own unique journey.
Did she enter into another marriage following her divorce?
After her divorce from Clint Walker in 1968, Verna Garver chose not to remarry. Her primary focus turned to raising their daughter, Valerie, who was 18 years old at the time of their separation.
Despite the end of her marriage, Verna retained Walker’s surname, being known as “Verna Lucille Garver Walker” until her passing. This decision suggests a strong connection to her former husband and the life they had built together.
In contrast, Clint Walker went on to marry twice more following their divorce. His second marriage was to Giselle Hennesy in 1974, a union that lasted for 20 years until Giselle’s passing in 1994.
Subsequently, the acclaimed actor entered his third marriage with Susan Cavallari in 1997, a partnership that endured until Walker’s own passing in 2018.
Valerie Walker, the daughter of Verna Garver, and Cory Patton, her grandson, are the surviving members of her family
Verna Garver’s legacy lives on through her daughter, Valerie Walker, and her grandson, Cory Patton. These two individuals represent the continuation of her family’s story and the impact she had on their lives.
As mentioned earlier, Valerie Walker carved out an impressive career as a pioneering female pilot, defying societal norms and gender barriers in the aviation industry.
Her achievements serve as a testament to the strength and determination she inherited from her mother, Verna.
Furthermore, Verna shared a deep bond with her grandson, Cory Patton, playing a significant role in shaping his upbringing.
The affection between them highlights the importance of family ties and the lasting influence grandparents can have on their grandchildren’s lives.
What was Verna Garver’s occupation or profession?
Unfortunately, information about Verna Garver’s occupation or professional pursuits remains scarce in the public domain.
Available data suggests that she primarily focused on her role as a homemaker, dedicating herself to supporting her family and creating a nurturing environment for her daughter, Valerie.
In contrast, her former husband, Clint Walker, achieved widespread acclaim as a renowned actor in the United States. Born on May 30, 1927, in Hartford, Illinois, Walker embarked on his entertainment career in 1954.
His breakthrough role came in 1955 when he portrayed the iconic character Cheyenne Bodie in the television series “Cheyenne,” which ran until 1963.
Although his initial appearance was in the lesser-known film “Jungle Gents” as Tarzan, it was the “Cheyenne” series that propelled him to stardom.
Throughout his remarkable 45-year career in the entertainment industry, the towering 6-foot-6-inch Walker graced numerous other television shows and films.
Some of his notable credits include “The Ten Commandments,” “Fort Dobbs,” “More Dead Than Alive,” “Scream of the Wolf,” “Baker’s Hawk,” and several other significant projects.
Verna Garver passed away when she was 87 years old
Verna Garver’s life came to a peaceful end on November 27, 2014, when she was 87 years old. She spent her final days in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by the love and support of her family.
While the exact cause of her passing remains undisclosed, it is believed that natural causes played a role in her departure from this world.
Her final resting place is at the Mountain View Memorial Estates Cemetery in Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake County, Utah, where her life and legacy were honored in an obituary published in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Tragically, Verna’s ex-husband, Clint Walker, also passed away a few years later, on May 21, 2018, in Grass Valley, California.
He was 90 years old at the time of his passing, just nine days shy of his 91st birthday. The cause of Walker’s death was congestive heart failure, bringing an end to the life of the legendary actor and singer.
Final Words
Verna Garver’s story is one of resilience, family, and the lasting impact of personal connections.
Although she lived much of her life out of the public eye, her marriage to the celebrated actor Clint Walker thrust her into the spotlight, sparking curiosity about her journey.
Beyond her association with Walker, Verna embraced the roles of a devoted mother to her daughter, Valerie, and a cherished member of her family.
Her influence is evident in the achievements of Valerie, who shattered glass ceilings as a pioneering female pilot, and in the deep bond she shared with her grandson, Cory Patton.
While details about Verna’s personal endeavors may be limited, her impact on the lives of those she held dear is undeniable.
Her story serves as a reminder that true legacy is not measured by public acclaim but by the indelible imprint one leaves on the hearts and minds of loved ones.
As we bid farewell to Verna Garver, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was – a loving mother, a supportive partner, and a guiding force in her family’s journey.
Her life may have been private, but her impact will resonate through generations to come.
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