In Memoriam
L eading up to the Street Rod Nationals in 2023, Advertising Director Bob Reynolds told us of his idea to create a tribute to those within our industry who had recently passed away. Nothing else was said until walking through the exhibitor aisles at the show I happened upon the first “In Memoriam” display. It was very tasteful- ly done with kiosks and black drapery. No photos, no life stories, just short descriptions of their influ- ence within our rodding family. Favorable com- ments led to the second display in 2024 and at this year’s 2025 Street Rod Nationals those listed here will be honored In Memoriam. In their own way, some silent, some vocal, they influenced the way we enjoy modifying old cars and driving the wheels off them. On May 16, 2025, one week before shipping this July issue, we received the news that Vernon Walker had passed away at age 85. His influence on the rodding sport we enjoy today is unquestion- able. He began running Walker Radiator Works in 1967 and as a founding member of the National Street Rod Association became president in 1976. He led the charge to improve and create what were then simple outdoor car gatherings (which at the time were usually club picnics) to world class car shows spread across America. Vernon’s dedication to business and hobbies was very focused. Early on he amassed a legendary collection of vintage neon signs, built a vintage service station on his Proctor, Arkansas, estate and focused on the parts store girl he married in 1959. That girl was Georgie Scott, and they celebrated their 65th Anniversary this year. Over the years Vernon and I worked on many projects, and as editor of Street Rodder, our event coverage, along with the Road Tour traveling to all NSRA events, formed our mutual respect. Remember when I mentioned Vernon was focused? His vision for the NSRA was our motto; “Fun With Cars.” He wanted members to enjoy the cruise, and he took it to extremes! Mostly in his identical green or blue ’39 Chevy sedans, Vernon drove to every NSRA event held for half a Century. Most people brag about thousands of miles on their odometer, imagine millions of fast-paced miles. He was not a slowpoke! Our relationship became closer when Joe Mayall passed in 2009, and I was hired as editor of StreetScene. We know hot rodders of the ‘50s & ‘60s were influenced by street rodders because starting in the
early ‘70s roadworthiness became top priority over top speed. Rowdy hot rodders were now attending organized NSRA events unlike anything they experi- enced before. Vernon played a major role in the growth of modifying old vehicles and giving peo- ple something to do with them. His influence will be felt for generations. Whether your influencers were famous or one of the thousands of local heroes, we all deserve to remember them in memoriam. “In Memoriam” 2025 Vernon Walker , Member Memphis Street Rods, President Walker Radiator Works, NSRA Founder/President Ed Belkengren , Premier car builder Ernie Sutherland , Owner Cooling Components Tom Biles , NSRA Event Director & State Rep New York Ken Ebberts , Automotive Artist Alex Xydias , Founder So-Cal Speed Shop Ron Martinez , Producer Universal Studios & Paramount (Miami Vice, Murder She Wrote, Knight Rider, Sabrina the Teenage Witch,) owned the “Invader” Frank Fritz , American Pickers Pat St. Mary , Co-founder KWIK-WIRE/Saint Wire & Cable Gary St. Mary , Co-Founder KWIK-WIRE/Saint Wire & Cable Tommy “Cowboy” Lewis , NSRA Tennessee State Safety Inspector Ken Rea , Road Scholar, Answer Man for Wings Callahan Dave Cahal , NSRA Division Director Mark Pierson , Halibrand, MKW Wheel, Wheel Vintique Ken Bessette, Jr. , NSRA Northeast Division Director Jack Walker , Enthusiast, Exhibitor, Builder Ken Sargent , NSRA Massachusetts State Safety Inspector Jody Tolomer, NSRA Merchandise Sales Lilian Gore , Sneed Robinson & Gerber Insurance Rick Bonenberger , Eville Iron Frog Follies Gene Winfield , Customizer/Builder Clint Millican , Old Air Products Lynn Pew , General Motors Performance Sales Tom Ashton , Founder Tea’s Design Dale Peeler, NSRA Safety Team Jim Kerr , SEMA Hall Of Fame Inductee
Tom Vogele tomvogele@verizon.net
8 JULY 2025
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker