Walter W. Perkins

Walter W. Perkins, 94, died Oct. 19, 2014.

Born in Linden, NJ to Stanley and Laura Perkins, he was a boy scout which led to his service in adult leadership roles in the organization for 55 years. He attended the University of Virginia where he played on the baseball team, then transferred and graduated in 1941 with a degree in Ceramics from Rutgers University where he boxed and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Walter enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served as a radar technician. Following the war, he moved to Akron becoming the Chief Ceramist of the U.S. Stoneware Co. which eventually became a part of the Norton Co. where he served for 31 years, retiring as Director of Research and Development. He was a member of the University Club, the American Ceramic Society where he served as Vice President, a trustee, and Chair of Technical Committees, the American Society for Testing and Materials where he chaired several committees and Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder.

Preceded in death by wife, Elizabeth, whom he married in 1956, and sister, Irene Kish; he is survived by son, Colin (Mary); step grandson, Stephen Shaum; and nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2014 at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery with Rev. Conley Zomermaand officiating. There are no calling hours per his wishes. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, 1601 S. Main St., P.O. Box 68, Akron, OH 44309 or Brookdale Hospice, 24500 Center Ridge Rd., Building 4, Suite 380, Westlake, OH 44145. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)