Many in the competition shooting world are mourning the news of retired Navy Lieutenant Commander Howard John “Walt” Walter, a longtime NRA Director, tireless defender of the Second Amendment and passionate shooting sports enthusiast, passing away in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Walter was 93 years old. He was born on October 28, 1931, in Buffalo, New York.
A decorated combat veteran, he was a United States Naval Aviator and Officer until his retirement with the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1975. Walter’s combat deployments included tours in Korea and Vietnam. As a Naval Aviator, Walter was qualified in multiple types of Naval aircraft and a member of the Naval Hurricane Hunters. He also spent time stationed in Antarctica, Hong Kong, the Philippines, the South Pole and New Zealand, along with other international postings.
As for his post-military career, Walter earned a master’s degree from the State University College at Buffalo after completing his undergraduate studies at Purdue University.
A longtime member of the NRA Board of Directors and steadfast supporter of the right to bear arms, Walter was the chairman of the NRA High Power Rifle Committee and vice chairman of NRA High Power Rifle F-Class Committee, also serving on many competitions committees as chair, vice chair and member.
Walter was an accomplished competition shooter, serving as a member and officer-in-charge of the U.S. Navy Shooting Team. He was perhaps best known for his time as a Smallbore competitor, as well as the “father” of the Smallbore F-Class discipline. Walter also participated in High Power Rifle, F-Class and Conventional Pistol, and was a Distinguished shooter and member of the President’s Hundred.
He worked tirelessly editing and writing rulebooks for new shooting disciplines, answering competitors’ questions, promoting programs and working as a volunteer at matches and the NRA National Championships at Camp Perry and Camp Atterbury. Walter was also a supporter of private clubs conducting elite National Championships, such as the Cardinal Center in Ohio now hosting the NRA Pistol and Smallbore National Championships. Walter continued his work in competition shooting until 2024.
In 2022, the National Rifle Association of America honored Walter with a special lifetime achievement award during that year’s NRA National Matches. He received a standing ovation during the presentation of the award.
Walter was a member of the Black Hawks Rifle Club and was heavily involved with the Asheville Rifle and Pistol Club. Additionally, he was a past president of the North Carolina Rifle and Pistol Association, continuing to serve on the club’s board until his death.
After retiring from the Navy, Walter worked as a professor at Canisius University and in aerospace technology with ARO Corporation in Buffalo, New York. He was also an accomplished author, writing a total of seven books and penning several articles for the Shooting Sports USA digital magazine and website.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Dolores Bald Walter, as well as two children and six grandchildren. Fellow NRA Director Edie Fleeman of Raleigh, North Carolina, was also highlighted by the family as an honorary daughter, confidant and editor.
Walt Walter’s impact in shooting sports will never be forgotten and he will be missed by many.
His life was celebrated with a visitation and reception at Church Street Funeral and Cremation in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Walter was further remembered with a graveside service and full military honors at Acacia Park Cemetery in Buffalo, New York, on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Legends: Howard John “Walt” Walter
October 28, 1931 – March 10, 2025
You can read Walter’s full obituary at blueridgenow.com.
Rest in peace to a legend of the shooting sports.
