John Richard White, of Warsaw, was surrounded by his loving family when he went home to be with his Lord on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at the age of 97.
He was born on Jan. 3, 1926, in Salem, Ill., to Ruby Eagan and Herman Tilton White. John was a graduate of Salem Community High School. He enlisted on Nov. 17, 1943, into the U.S. Navy and proudly served during World War II until his honorable discharge in 1946. He served on a tanker ship and was the first American Serviceman to step foot on Japanese soil after the signing of the WWII treaty. In 1951, John moved to Camp Cook, Calif., and was called back to serve in the Army National Guard from Feb. 15, 1952 – May 14, 1953, and was stationed in Santa Barbara, Calif. Even after his military service, he enjoyed spending time with his brothers as a member of the American Legion Post #49 in Warsaw.
When he returned home, John was working at a loan office and met his future wife. On April 8, 1948, he married the love of his life, Betty Lou Brasel, and were blessed to have celebrated 75 wedding anniversaries before John’s passing. Later he worked for Maytag, and then for many years he worked for Culligan Water, where he was the top salesman in Battle Creek, Mich. John eventually bought the local Culligan dealership here in Warsaw from where he retired after many years serving his local community.
John and Betty enjoyed wintering in Florida, 15 years in Bradenton and 15 years in Fort Myers. He was a longtime member of Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and an elder. John enjoyed the fellowship of his church family. Most of all, John dearly loved spending time with his family. He will forever be remembered as a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. John is now whole again in Heaven!
He leaves behind his wife, Betty Lou White, Warsaw; two sons, Rick (Becky) White, Warsaw; Philip (Hope) White, Warsaw; and two daughters, LuAnn White Poling, Warsaw; Laura (Eric) White Hayden, Cicero. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren: Julie Albert, David, Eric and Nathan White, Leslie Feeny, Kara Poling Grubbs, Brice Poling, Elizabeth Milbank, Victoria and Alexandra Hayden; and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother, George White.
John’s life will be celebrated with a service at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 at Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 210 S. High St., Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Aaron Klein. Friends and family may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw with military rites conducted by members of the American Legion Post #49, V.F.W. Post 1126 and active-duty members of the Navy Honor Guard. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
Memorial donations in John’s memory may be directed to Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 210 S. High St., Warsaw, IN 46580.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.