Richard C. White, Sr., 97, of Mexico, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Pin Oaks Living Center in Mexico.
Celebration of Life was at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 8 at Arnold Funeral Home. Visitation wasTuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Park.
Mr. White was born October 25, 1922, in Mexico, the son of Palmer and Pearl (Duley) White. In 1947, He married his sweetheart Francis Irene of Centralia. When they were dating Richard would walk the 14 miles from Mexico to Centralia to see Francis Irene. Occasionally, he would catch a ride in an empty train car.
Richard graduated from Garfield School in 1940. He joined the Navy on December 2, 1941. While Richard was in boot camp, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. He served on two ships, the USS President Jackson and American Legend. He was honorably discharged on October 23, 1947; a World War II veteran.
Mr. White worked over 30 years for the AP Green Company, retiring in 1985.
Richard loved working jigsaw puzzles, gardening and watching sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed family Bar-B-Ques. He was the master griller, working from early morning to evening prepping and grilling. Richard was also the oldest surviving member of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Mexico.
Survivors include two sons, Richard C. (Jackie) White Jr. of Mexico and Dennis L. (Elzena) White of Blue Springs; two daughters, Karen K. (Travis) Kahrig of West Des Moines, Iowa and Janice M. Western of Des Moines, Iowa; six grandchildren, Joe (Jen) Cason, Evan White, Amy White, Angela Western, Cassandra White, Kristen (Nate) Stephens; seven great-grandchildren, Landen, Adrain, Terrell, Jada, Jordan, Kayleesa and Evannie; brother and sister-in-law, Henry (Annette) Tucker; cousin Harry (Annette) Moore; a host of extended family and friends.
Mr. White was preceded in death by his wife Francis Irene; sister, Mary Duley Cross; and granddaughter, Christina Western.
Due to COVID there will be no repass or funeral reception.
