WILLIAM WHITE

William Kenneth White, 77, of Canton Missouri, passed to heaven eternal at his home surrounded by family and friends on May 15, 2024. Willie, as his friends and family called him, was born June 28, 1946, in Beerfelden, Germany.

He married Elizabeth Craft on March 18, 1972. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2010. Willie later met his companion Cindy Glass who he loved dearly. Survivors include Denise Martin and husband Eric of Spring Hill, Florida. Lora Kemper and husband Jeremy of Argyle Iowa. William White II and wife Heidi of St Petersburg, Florida. Danny White of Canton, Missouri. Sister Roswitha Childers of Palmyra, Missouri.

Willie was the proud grandpa and great grandpa of twelve grandchildren, and multiple great grandchildren, two nephews and niece.

Willie graduated from Lagrange High School. Following his graduation, he enlisted into the Marine Corp where he finished first in his class a gunnery school. He went on to serve 2 tours to Vietnam while earning 2 purple hearts for injuries sustained in combat. On returning home he was always there for his fellow veterans at the VFW or American Legion. Willie enjoyed a cold Miller Lite and a good Cardinals game, along with hanging out and competing on bowling night. Willie never knew a stranger and always make conversation with anyone who had a listening ear. Willie loved the outdoors and really enjoyed mushroom hunting, mowing, and land scaping for friends and family. He found his next career mowing and landscaping for the Bowling Green School district and driving a school bus for the school. Willie retired from the Northeast Missouri Correctional Facility in Bowling Green, Missouri after countless years as a Correctional officer. Upon retirement Willie moved back to his old stomping ground in Canton, Missouri to relax, shoot pool, and have drinks with friends and family. His house was adorned with pictures of all of those he loved.

The family requests donations to be made to the Otto Bruner American Legion Post 170 in Canton, Missouri, in lieu of flowers or other gifts. A graveside service was held at the Memorial Cemetery in LaGrange, Missouri on May 19, 2024, followed by a celebration of life at Canton Martin Park.