Roger Lee White

Roger L. White, 79, of Topeka, passed away on July 22, 2023, at Midland Hospice in Topeka.

He was born on March 27, 1944, to Ronald and Dorothy (Becker) White in Topeka, KS.

On July 16, 1965, he married Christine M. White (Heidenreich). Roger and Christine lived in Topeka, Kansas.

Roger retired as the Director of Printing for Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB).

Roger is survived by his loving wife; Christine, son; Darren (Chelsea) White, daughter; Angela White (Keith Oliver), son; Brett (Candy) White; Sisters Dottie Myrick (David Doud) and Colleen (Denny) Uhler, Grandchildren; Kelsey White, Alexandria (Jeremy) Rau, Hadleigh White, Kirstie Whittaker, Kaylee (Chelsea) Whittaker, Ashly (Andrew) Appelhanz, Justin White, Alissa White, Great Grandchildren; Laeni J White, Callum Rau, Cashton Rau, Creedin Rau, Colstyn Rau, Landon Appelhanz, Kylie-Jo Appelhanz, Lincoln Appelhanz, new grandchild coming in October, Addisyn Morello, Tembrynce White, Preston White, Paizlee Pease, Special Niece; Marilyn White, and Dog Companion; Hattie Mae

He was preceded in death by his father; Ronald E. White, mother; Dorothy M. White; and recently his special sister 4 days prior to his death; Margie Hopkins.

Roger graduated from Topeka High in 1963, breaking track records which earned him an invitation to run in the KU relays. He attended Washburn University. His work experience and career varied from being a soda jerk at the country club, a security officer in the downtown Topeka area, pumped gas, and was even a nurse's aide. He found his passion working 43 years as a printer leading him to be the director before retiring.

Roger was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. He was very proud of them all. He was known for his love, sacrifices, and generosity towards his family and friends, being an independent man who lived a simple life, involvement in the church, having great morals and work ethics, being a self-doer, and a sense of humor. Being a gentleman, Roger carried a handkerchief in his pocket for anyone that shed a tear.

Roger and Christine were married in 1965. The following week he was drafted into the military where he went to Paris Island and Camp Lejeune for basic training in the Marines. He spent six years as a Marine at various locations. He was very proud of his country. His love for America was shown most of all on the 4th of July which was his favorite holiday. You could find Roger enjoying his evenings sitting and watching the American flag lite up on his flagpole gifted to him by his children. It is said that he would have been a great politician because of his love for the United States, and his passion and knowledge of politics.

He was very proud of his accomplishments as a participating rider and top fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Bike Ride from 1991 to 1997. As top fundraiser he was honored to wear cyclist bib number 1 on the back of his jersey. Being a great athlete, he played slow pitch close to a decade wearing the number 12. He spent his retirement sitting outside, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved the Mississippi River, the mountains, and listening to Celine Dion and George Straight. He always enjoyed a good cigar, loved doing yard work, and took pride in his yard being the greenest on the block. He did not know a stranger; he knew all the neighbors and even their dogs' names.

Roger was a member of the Topeka Bible Church, and serving as deacon, used his skills to create and print the church bulletin from 1982 to 1987, and served as president of his Sunday school class. He had such a passion and love for God. Roger introduced his family to the church and led them to love and know God. Through teachings about our savior and His promises he helped others accept Christ as their personal Savior. Roger made his home feel safe; he was loved deeply by so many. Roger lived in God's image and tackled his faith with grace and humility. Roger enjoyed Christmas almost as much as the 4th of July, because of his love for Christ our savior and being with family. Roger established a family tradition leading his family in Christmas dinner prayer.

When he received the news about his illness, he never asked, why me? He took his diagnosis with dignity and grace. Every night there was a party in the driveway where he enjoyed his family, friends, and coworkers, as he reminisced about the past, the present, and his love for God. Even in his illness he told his daughter to get his wife Christine some flowers for their Anniversary. Roger knew that he was going home to see the Lord.

Roger will be GREATLY missed by all that knew him. A life well lived is the most exquisite work of art.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday July 29, 2023, at Penwell-Gabel Chapel, Topeka, Kansas.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, 11:00 am at the Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, Kansas, with Pastor Jim Congdon, officiating.

Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following services.

Memorials are suggested to the MS Society of Kansas 2020 W 89th St #100 Leawood, Ks 66206 or Topeka Bible Church 1101 SW Mulvane St, Topeka, KS 66604.

Roger's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service

To share a memory of Roger or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.