William “Bill” White, age 87, passed away very peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 in Hominy, with his family at his side. He was a long-time member of American Legion Post #142. He leaves behind to treasure his memories many loving family and friends. Bill is survived by his wife Judy of the home, five children: Jack White and wife Dana of Mannford, OK; Bill White and his wife Norma of Palestine, TX; Larry White and wife Sandy of Spokane, WA; Patty Langley and husband Sam; and Katie White both of Hominy, OK. Left behind to also treasure his memory include a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, life-time friends, and Jake, Bill’s beloved dog. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Jack Henry White, who was killed in WWII, twins Opal and Oren “Pete” Baker, Claude Flick, Betty Flick McNair, and Robert H. Flick.
Husband, Dad, Daddy, Papa, Grandpa, Uncle, Friend; Bill was a “one-of-a-kind”, kind of man. He was gentle, kind, quiet, compassionate, caring, humble, “old-school”, a man’s man. One of the hardest working men around, almost until his last day. He was our family rock, the center of our world. Bill leaves us with many, many treasured memories.
Funeral Services for William “Bill” White, 87, of Hominy, Oklahoma were held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, April 29, 2013 at Calvary Worship Center with Father, Chris Daigle, P.P. officiating. Everett Waller was a Speaker and Michael White, grandson, was a Reader for the service. Military services were provided by the Pawhuska American Legion Post 98 and the American Legion Post 142 of Hominy. Musical selections for the service were “Daddy’s Hands”, sung by granddaughter, Kendra White, and “Amazing Grace” sung by Doris Hudson. Accompanying the video presentation were songs “That’s My Job” and “The Dance”.
Interment in the A.J. Powell Cemetery in Hominy, Oklahoma was under the direction of Powell Funeral Home, Hominy, Oklahoma. Caskets bearers for the service were: Babo Carter, Pat Passmore, Bill Goebel, Bob Gallagher, Jerry Jackson, Dennis Kidder, Michael White, Bob Goodrich, Bruce Gallagher and Jack Romine. Honorary casket bearers were Gene Moss, John Fields, Ancil Davis, Quinton Rodgers, Post Commander James Frazier and the American Legion Post 142 Members.
William (Bill) White was born on November 20, 1925 in Hominy, Oklahoma to Walter and Sarah (Colbaugh) White. He was raised by his beloved Aunt Kate and Uncle Babe Colbaugh.
Bill attended school his entire life in Hominy. At the tender age of 17, Bill joined the United States Navy on October 8, 1943. He served his country as a Radioman, 3rd Class, during World War II, serving honorably under Admiral Nimitz. He was stationed at Red Hill, Pearl Harbor, and was present at what is known as the Second Bombing of Pearl Harbor. While working in Radio Control, Bill’s job was to help monitor and correspond the air and sea rescue operations. In November of this past year, Bill was honored at Hominy High School by being named “Veteran of the Year”.
On December 19, 1959, Bill and Judy Gallagher were united in marriage. This union took place in Judy’s hometown of Lake Odessa, Michigan. The couple celebrated 53 years together this past December.
Most of Bill’s working life was spent at Producer’s Oil Company, where he worked both in Hominy and Garber, Oklahoma. Bill loved the oil field work, and loved the life-long friends he made along the way. After retiring from Producer’s “Mr. Bill” worked his dream job throughout the United States, along side his son and family in the Pipeline Industry. After retirement, Bill and Judy enjoyed traveling around the United States and Canada, visiting his years as a “Winter Texan”, spending time in Alamo and Kingsville, Texas.
Bill was a lifelong resident of Hominy, where he was a lifetime member of the VFW, a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in Bartlesville, (where he spent MANY a night dancing the night away), membership in the Blinded Veterans Association, and the American Legion Post 142 in Hominy. Bill was also an “official member” of the “Mainstreet Coffee Club” as well as participating in the monthly Alumni Breakfast group. Bill was a member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hominy, where he served as a Reader and Usher for many years.
Blackwell-Frazier American Legion Post #142 Hominy, Oklahoma 