Willis White

Willis Whitey White was born August 23, 1926 in Madison County, Iowa, the son of Orville and Dorothy (Gentry) White. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. His marriage to Blanche McNichols took place on December 16, 1946 in Des Moines. She preceded him in death on April 16, 2006. Whitey is survived by two daughters, Gayla Hudnell of Dallas Center and Joyce Gorshel (Mitch) of Urbandale; one son, Bruce White of Winterset; 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Blanche; an infant daughter, Patty; and a sister, Doris Eyerly in 2000. Whitey, along with Bob Jackson, ran the Conoco station in Winterset for many years. Later he worked in Des Moines with Dahls for 25 years. Following his retirement from Dahls, he worked as a food broker. Whitey was a member of the First Christian Church, the Evening Star Masonic Lodge #43, American Legion Post #184 of which he was a Charter Member and the Veterans of Foreign War Post #8142 all of Winterset. He also served on the McDonald-Chase Cemetery Board as a Trustee. Whitey was a skilled bowler, bowling on many leagues throughout the years. He volunteered with the Winterset Jr. Bowling League. Whitey was also an avid gambler and liked to fish and hunt. Whitey died Monday, January 19, 2009 at Mercy Capital in Des Moines. He was 82. Visitation: 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare. Service: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare. Memorial: Memorial contributions may be directed to the McDonald-Chase Cemetery.