Walter "Walt" G. Hron

Bartow - Walter G. Hron ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth, put out his hand and touched the face of God’ Sept. 10, 2025 on his 95th Birthday, surrounded by the loving presence of his family.

Walt leaves this world a more colorful, spirited and friendly world than he found it. He was an accomplished artist in every sense of the word, from commercial art, graphic design and photography to oil painting and plein air he was captivated by the natural world, the human form and expression as well as lighthouses and WWII airplanes. Walt never met a stranger and was well loved by all those who knew him. Walt was a devoted chess player and a lover of history, music, movies and sports. Most importantly Walt was a deeply spiritual man who, along with his departed wife ‘Mell’ passed on to his daughters a love and reverence for the Divine and all its creation.

Born to Godfrey and Marie Hron on Sept. 10, 1930 in Omaha NE, Walt was the younger brother to Rudy and Bob. He excelled in athletics, was voted most handsome in his graduating class and attended Riverside College in California on an athletic scholarship. Walt went on to serve in the US Air Force at Patrick Air Base in Cocoa Beach where he met and fell head over heels for his future wife and lifelong partner Mell. As an airman with precise artistic skills, he both designed and helped engineer the cutting-edge rocket technology of the ‘50’s. Walt’s dogged pursuit of artistic mastery led to his enrollment in the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, FL. Here he found the perfect launching pad that boosted his dream of owning his own Commercial Art Studio from aspiration to reality. After getting his feet wet in the world of commercial art in Cleveland OH, Walt settled in Pompano Beach FL where he founded the multi-award-winning Walt Hron Studios and raised his family until his retirement to Bartow Fl with Mell in 2000. Walt was a lifelong learner and member of the Bartow Art Guild.

Walt was preceded in death by his wife Mell Hron and his brothers Rudy and Robert Hron. He is survived by his three daughters Debi Hron, Kathi ‘Kitty’ Mulcahy and Dr. Linda Hron, beloved grandson Benjamin Hron and wife Shayna and two great-grandchildren Aria and Tannon.

Walt’s last chapter was written with the love and friendship of the residents and staff of Scott Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center. Walt’s family will forever treasure the care and kindness of this wonderful community.

Condolences to family at www.whiddenmccleanfuneralhome.com