Walter Eugene Austin's Obituary
Walter Eugene Austin passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023 at his home in Tacoma, Washington at the age of 84.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon, and his three children, Debi Hoberg (Pete), Mike Austin, and Pat Austin (Keila), 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.
Born in Port Townsend, Washington to Walter Austin and Florence Langford, Walt was the oldest of 4 children. He is survived by siblings Dee, Jan, and Dennis (Bucky).
Walt took over his father’s business, Walt’s Radiator, at a young age after his father passed away unexpectedly. He grew the business into the hugely successful Walt’s Radiator, Muffler, and Brakes with 34 retail locations in Washington and 12 wholesale warehouses across the country. Walt was an incredible entrepreneur and businessman.
Walt was a big supporter, and very passionate, about youth sports. He was constantly sponsoring/coaching many youth teams throughout the years. His first football team he coached lost only one game its first season and during the next five years his teams were undefeated. He always knew how important sports and competition were to building character among the youth.
One of Walt’s greatest passions was Championship drag racing. As the founder of Walt Austin Racing, he accumulated 75 NHRA National Event wins and hundreds of NHRA Divisional wins. He also had 4 World Championships in NHRA drag racing. He was an incredible entrepreneur and innovator in drag racing. He was well known for many of his technological advances in the sport. One thing was ALWAYS true about Walt, he raced to win. No matter what/who/where/when, he was there to compete and there to win the race. Walt was notified just weeks ago that he is being inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. His induction will be in Gainesville, FL March 6th, 2024 on the Thursday before the Gator Nationals.
Walt leaves all of his loved ones with unforgettable memories, stories, and hearts full of love and fondness. He was an amazing son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, businessman, mentor and drag racer. He will be missed dearly by his family, everyone who knew him, and everyone touched by his amazing kindness.
The Celebration of Life for Walt will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4th at Walt Austin Racing Headquarters at 5110 184th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446 from noon until 4pm. Funeral arrangements for Walt have been faithfully entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Home, which is located at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.
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