Memorial services for Wilbur Frank White, 76, Lawrence, KS, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, KS. His body has been donated to the Kansas University Medical Center. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, after a prolonged illness with cancer.
Wilbur was born on May 15, 1935 in Cherokee, OK, the son of Fred E. and Irene J. (Huston) White.
He graduated from Augusta High School in 1953. He then graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineer in 1959.
He served his country in the Army Reserves in Artillery from 1959-1966.
He was a Chemical Engineer in management at FMC in Lawrence until he retired September 1, 1998.
He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, University Bridge Club, and Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where he was active in Leadership and Bible Studies. He was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed wood working and golfing.
He was married to Leta Darlene Davenport on August 6, 1955 in El Dorado, KS. She survives at Pioneer Ridge Health Care Room 126 in Lawrence, KS.
Other survivors include one daughter, Beth G. Ott, Lawrence; one son, David E. White, Colorado Springs, CO; four grandchildren, Clint Ott, Brent Ott, Sarah White, Eric White; and one great-grandchild, Robbie Ott; and one brother, Fred E. White, Atlanta, GA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Theona I. Keller.
The family suggests memorials in his name to the Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
christy price says
Aunt Leta, Beth, David:
We love you and are thinking of you.
Christy, Leonard & families.
Elfrieda Mannion says
So sorry to hear of Wilbur’s passing!! He was a wonderful friend!! Leta and Wilbur were my “Life Savers” when we were in college at WSU. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!! Love, Elfrieda
Judy and Craig Grant says
We were sorry to read of Wilbur’s death. We always enjoyed his dry humor and smile. Sincerely, Judy and Craig
Nancy & Charlie Ketterman says
Wilbur was a great person and bother-in-law. We will look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.
We will be praying for all the remaining family members.
Ted & Nancy Buckley says
May God console your hearts through this time of grief and restore your joy. I’m so glad we will join him later in our eternal home. He was a great mentor for me and will be sorely missed.
Shirley Wynes says
Wilbur was truly a fine man. I have helped him with various banking transactions through the years and always enjoyed visiting with him! I’m sure his family and friends will miss him as we will here at the bank!
Dr. Ahmed Alzaabi of the UAE says
my family and I are so sorry to hear that Mr. White passed away. He is a closed freind of us. we used to rent one of his homes in Lawrence KS. He is always smiling and full of energy. last year, before I had left Lawrence, he told me that he has a cancer. He wasn’t thinking about himself but always thinking about Leta. He taught me the true meaning of love & family. I have the honor to know him and Leta and to learn from them. Our sincere condolences go to Leta & his family. Dr. Ahmed Alzaabi, Noura, Ibrahim & Omar of the United Arab Emirates
John and Elaine London says
Elaine and I just learned that Wilbur returned to the Lord. We will always remember Wilbur and keep Leta in our prayers.
We were blessed to have Wilbur as the best man at our wedding.
We both worked together at FMC and I valued his friendship and advice.
John and Elaine London says
Elaine and I just learned that Wilbur returned to the Lord. We will always remember Wilbur and keep Leta in our prayers.
We were blessed to have Wilbur as the best man at our wedding.
We both worked together at FMC and I valued his friendship and advice.
Sally Brandt says
Beth, My condolences on the death of your father.
Sally Brandt
Ron and Diane Bringus says
We just want to offer our heartfelt sympathies to Leta and family. We attended CBC with Wilbur and Leta for years. Wilbur was a wonderful example of Christ. our love and prayers to you all.
Chris Seibert says
Wilbur White was a gentleman and spiritual mentor to so many young men when he and Leta lived in Modesto, CA. I dropped in on them often when I felt lonely or just like visiting “family”. We haven’t kept in touch with many folks from those years in the late 70’s, but Wilbur and Leta were an exception. I’ll miss his wit as he reviewed the previous year’s happenings in their Christmas letter.
With great affection, I say so long until we meet again, Wilbur.
Chris Seibert