PLAINVIEW, Texas — Walter F. Larson, a native Texan and lifelong citizen of Plainview, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2014.

Walter was born on Sept. 26, 1930 to Walter W. Larson and Anita Jarvis Larson. Upon graduation from Plainview High School, he attended American Flyers pilot training school in Fort Worth. He married his high school sweetheart Sharon Turner in 1950. He worked for Claude Hutcherson as a charter pilot and held special fond memories of the medical charter flights he flew.

Later, he opened a Ferguson tractor dealership in Plainview that became known as Larson-Turner Massey-Ferguson. After selling the dealership to the James Brothers, he ventured into manufacturing high clearance tractors. He possessed a unique and uncanny ability to take what was good and improve it. These tractors were customized for a number of unique applications that included being used on tomato plantations, harvesting grapes and corn de-tasseling. He also manufactured Versa-trac highway sweepers.

In the early 1970s, he began manufacturing amusement rides and is best known for the Super Loops portable carnival ride, known today as The Ring of Fire. He retired from this business in 2007.

Throughout the years he continued to have a tremendous passion for planes, trains and cars. He flew his own private planes for business and pleasure. He loved machinery and how it worked. He was fascinated by motors of all sizes and shape. He spent endless happy hours listening to music of all genres. He especially loved gospel music. He truly felt the music in his heart.

Jeff Novotny, who purchased the company from Walter in 2006 told Amusement Today, “Walter was always a mentor to me and the opportunities he provided my family will never be forgotten. We continue to keep the company name, Larson International, Inc. in honor of Walter and his lifelong achievements.”

Novotny continued, “One of my fondest memories with Walter was meeting him at his downtown, toy store. This is where he kept his antique cars and motor coach and we would have a few drinks and play cards or talk about business. When my wife would call to see where I was, I would always respond, I am in ‘liquid conference’ with Walter and she knew exactly where I was and what we were doing.”

OABA’s Bob Johnson remembered Walter Larson saying, “We have lost another wonderful pioneer and great engineer in the amusement industry with Walter Larson’s passing. His Ring of Fire and Super Loops rides continue to help many showmen provide an entertaining, exciting and safe midway experience for hundreds of million riders. The OABA board extends our deepest sympathy to his family.”

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Melinda. He is survived by his wife of more than 64 years, Sharon Larson; sister Sally Hale; daughters, Sarah Larson, Loretta Haynes and Alice Kofahl; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held July 20 at the Plainview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 710 Joliet St., Plainview, Texas 79072 or Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, 600 SW 11th Ave., Amarillo, Texas 79101 or to one’s favorite charity.

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