Louis Edward White Sr.

His Life’s Reflections

Louis E. White Sr. was born January 8, 1927, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, to Louise and Roy White Sr.  He was the youngest of three children.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Peggy Mae White of 70 years and by both his parents and siblings Roy White Jr. and Ernest Gray.

Louis grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, where he graduated from Sumner High School in 1945.  Louis remained active as a Sumner High School Alumni for many years.

He was united in marriage to Peggy Mae Smith on July 5, 1951.  Together they reared six children.  He loved being surrounded by his family and worked hard so his wife could stay home while raising their children.  He cherished family and loved hosting large family gatherings.

Louis served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, after which he was honorably discharged.

Following his army service, he worked on the mail cars on the railroad before becoming a transfer clerk at the United States Post Office.  Union Station was his base for 29 years before retiring.  But his true passion was excavating and demolition.  Thus, Louis E White & Sons was created to leave a legacy for his three Sons and generations to come.  White’s Fishing Lake was a landmark on Sortor Drive, complete with a bait and concession stand.  During the summer months many “regulars” were found on the fishing banks and in the winter months the neighborhood kids could be found playing ice hockey.  Several years later White’s Landfill was added across the street.  He designed and built his homes, worked on his tractors, loved small business and was very interested in technology. 

Being on his tractor was Louis’s true passion.  Even when he couldn’t physically climb up on his tractor to work, his son, Louis Jr. would lift him in the bucket of his bobcat, up to the cab of his tractor so he could walk across to his seat to begin a few hours of excavation work.  When he was finished, Louis Jr. and son-in-love Mark would be there to help him down.  Being on a tractor was Louis Sr.’s happy place.

He enjoyed traveling and every summer took his family on a two-week road trip.  They would visit family members, but he also had to make it an educational trip.  He would ask, “Would you like to see a historic battleship or go to the beach?”  In unison all six kids would shout, “The beach!” He would say, “I knew it! The battleship it is!”

The beginning years of travel were in the family station wagon.  After outgrowing the family vehicle, he rented a Winnebago.  With the true Louis White spirit he said, “I think I will build myself a camper.”  So, he bought a trailer, took the hitch off of the front and added an engine, chassis, steering wheel, and a couple seats.  The love of his life, his wife Peggy, would go riding down the road by his side.  As the years progressed and they needed a more roadworthy camper, he purchased one for long distance traveling.  Louis and Peggy continued their adventures with best friends, Paula and Darrol Walker.

Louis gave his life to Christ at the age of 70 and told his son, Pastor Dexter, when he got his own church, he would join and start going to church regularly.  On October 24, 1999, Dexter preached his first message as Senior Pastor of Hillview Church of God and Louis walked down the aisle that morning to join the church and served as a greeter and usher.  He was baptized on December 5, 1999. 

Louis had the gift of giving.  He was nicknamed “The Godfather.”  He helped many men and women that others turned their backs on or looked down on.  His incredible work ethic was not only passed on to his children, but to all those who would ask for help.  He always had a small job for someone who needed to earn some money.  The saying, “If you teach them to fish, you feed them for a lifetime,” could be said of Louis.  He was always willing to help but also eager to teach others how to make things better for themselves.

He loved and was loved by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, some of whom spent their summers at the White house.  And when Louis’s children brought home their college friends, they became his “children” because they received his love, friendship and wisdom. 

Left to cherish his life and memory, are his Children, Patricia (Mark); Louis Jr. (Denise); Dexter (Karen); Bruce (Regina); Pamela (Keith); and Peggy (Steven); Grandchildren, Mark Jr (Karen); Annie; Neya (Michael); Quincy (Cherie); Adrianne; Donald; Christopher; Leslie; Alexander; Dexter II; Aaron; Denise (Rene); and Kelli (Baron); 26 Great-Grandchildren; 7 Great-great Grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

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