Obituary of John White

John Duane White January 24, 1932 - December 22, 2010 John D. White was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on January 24, 1932. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Waldo B. White. John married his true love Ella E. Yeager on December 18, 1950. John and his beloved Ella together would raise six children John worked for more than twenty-eight years as an employee for the Ford Motor Company. He served as a Skilled Tradesman and was a longtime UAW 600 member. Following his retirement John joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles 711 in Norwalk, Ohio where he was a member for more than fifteen years. John had a lifelong passion for animals, enjoyed coin-collecting, and as a young man had been an avid fisherman and boater. He also enjoyed card playing, and took his games very seriously. John and Ella shared nearly fifty-three years of marriage before her passing on September 25, 2003. John age 78 of Rockwood passed away after a lengthy illness at 9:05pm Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at Oakwood Southshore Medical Center in Trenton. He had been in declining health for the past two years. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife Ella his passing was preceded by a loving daughter: Susan Groat on November 25, 2003 He leaves to cherish his memory five sons: John F. (Norma) White of North Ridgeville, Ohio, Gerald (Mary) White of Norwalk, Ohio, Steven White of Erie, Phillip (Lisa) White of Flat Rock, and Kelly White of Rockwood; a son-in-law: John Groat of Rockwood, Michigan; six grandchildren: Sarah (John) O'Brien, Jessica White, Chris White, Joshua (Mallory) White, Anna White, and Alyssa White, and one great granddaughter: Emily White-Walker. He also leaves his close friend and caretaker: Kathy Sorter whom he thought of like a daughter. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm Monday, December 27, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 also at Merkle's with the Rev. Kenneth Spain pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for his final rest, next to his loving wife Ella. In keeping with one of John's passions, memorial donations for those who desire are suggested to the donor's local Humane Society.