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Walter Arfons Obituary
He was born in Muncie Ind. and moved to Akron at an early age. Following four years service in the U.S. Navy, Walter joined the family business at Arfons Mill and Hardware, an Akron Historic Landmark. Walter loved speed and racing. He and his brother, Art, worked together and became famous by designing, building and driving a family of racing cars powered by aircraft engines. These racing cars became known worldwide as The Green Monsters. In 1959,Walter designed, built and drove the world's first aircraft jet-powered race car. In 1964, his jet-powered car, The Wingfoot Express set a new land speed record of 413 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jon Craig. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 76 years, Gertrude. He also leaves behind his daughter, Patricia (Richard) Stiff; his son Terry (Kathleen) Arfons; his sister, Lou Wolfe as well as eight grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside memorial service at East Liberty Cemetery will be scheduled later by the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Arfons
Tom Groh
June 3, 2021
My step dad Tom Green partnered with him to build Wingfoot Express jet car. Walter was a great guy
June 23, 2013
Being a friend of his son Terry, I first met Walt and Gertrude when they lived on Pickle Rd. I was immediately impressed with his generosity and friendliness. I'll fondly remember those qualities which he imparted in his sons. Rest in peace, dear sir. Dick & Mary Boyce
Ron Rife
June 14, 2013
We saw new ideas and lots of frustration at the Akron Blimp Hanger. The Arfons race team was great. R.I.P.
Ron Rife
June 14, 2013
Exciting and interesting times getting the "Green Monster" to run at the blimp hanger. R.I.P.
June 11, 2013
My sympathy to Gertie and all the Arfons family. I have many great memories of Walter and the whole family. Walter was a genuine man and I'm glad to have known him. My prayers to you all.
Janet Longstreth Neubert
Tom Rush
June 10, 2013
To the Arfons family,
I am sorry for your great loss. I met Walt while working at REX'S salvage. Walt was a great guy to know and talk with. I am so glad I got to know him. My prayers go out to Walt and the family.
May you rest in peace, Walt.
tom groh
June 10, 2013
Im tom green step son met walter about 12 years ago and it was a thrill to meet him he even showed me his tattoo of an eagle on his chest that he could make fly he is in heaven trading stories with tom and having a great time. My sympathies to the arfons family but walter had a amazing life
Sara & jason Ruble
June 9, 2013
Sending prayers for the family!
Nancy Price
June 9, 2013
My first enounter with Walt Arfons was back in the 1960s, when I was a teenaged hospital volunteer and he were a patient. I delivered an evening snack to him. He was kind, funny and I never forgot who he was as I had two subsequent customer service encounters with him He was legendary and I am glad to have crossed paths with him. RIP Mr. Arfons, may you and Art have racing fun in heaven!!!
Carl Pittinger
June 9, 2013
Thanks for all the memories Walt and Art. Prayers go out to the Family. R.I.P. Walt
Bill Adams
June 9, 2013
Sorry to see a legend leave, but know he is in a better place. Several years ago my wife(now deceased)couldn't wait to get home from working at Hartville Giant Eagle to tell me she met Walt Arfons.
June 9, 2013
I am sorry for the loss of their Father. Growing up in the neiborhood I got to talk to Walt on ocassions, what a nice person. Keith Rosen from Betz dr.
Charlie Brown
June 9, 2013
My condolences to the family. Thanks for the memories.
Randy Lipscomb
June 9, 2013
We send our prayers to the great racing family. Walt made us proud to be from Akron.
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