Edwin Ernest “Junior” White, Jr., age 96, died peacefully at his home Wednesday, November 29, 2023, surrounded by his family. Born March 8, 1927, in Minnehaha Springs, he was a son of the late Edwin Ernest White, Sr. and Marjorie G. White.
Junior and Thelma were married for nearly 67 years, and they raised their three children on Douthards Creek Road near Minnehaha Springs.
Junior was a World War II Veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class in the Pacific Theater from 1945 to 1946. He was the last known WWII Veteran in Pocahontas County. After serving in the Navy, he worked at the Edray State Trout Hatchery for the Department of Natural Resources for more than 35 years, retiring as Assistant Superintendent in August 1987. He loved to spend time in his woodworking shop and was known as an excellent carpenter and a perfectionist with his skill. He built his log home in 1951 in which he and his wife raised their family, and where he lived until his death. He had a love for the outdoors—he was an avid deer hunter, he loved to feed and watch the birds, and he enjoyed painting outdoor scenes on canvas. Junior was a Christian and a member of the New Hope Lutheran Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Thelma, whom he married August 27, 1949; and by his beloved grandchild, Corey White.
He is survived by sisters, Mary Sue White and Frieda W. Carroll; children, Eddie White, Paul White, and wife, Melanie, and Irene Free and husband, Brad; two grandchildren, Benjamin White, and wife, Beth, and Christopher Free; five great-grandchildren, Ashley Hay, and husband, James, Cody White, Nathan White, Roy Wright and Alexis Ledbetter; three great-great-grandchildren, Colton, Adelyn and Allison; granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer White; and former daughter-in-law, Evelyn Hansen, and husband, Stuart.
The family is grateful to the neighbors and friends who looked out for Junior.
The family also wants to thank the staff at Pocahontas Memorial Hospital and Mountain Hospice and his Church family.
A memorial service will be held later to celebrate his life.
Donations in memory of Junior can be made to the New Hope Lutheran Church in Minnehaha Springs.
~ We will miss you.
