William J. White

William J. "Bill" White, 84, of Topeka, passed away Friday, April 2, 2010.

He was born July 18, 1925 in Emporia, KS, the son of Thomas A. and Rose A (Crawford) White. He attended Emporia Schools until 1941, graduating from El Dorado High School, El Dorado, KS in 1943. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 until May of 1946. On return from service he attended Kansas State Teacher's College, Emporia, graduating June of 1950.

He was employed by Crawford Furniture, Emporia until 1956 at which time he became employed by Prudential Insurance Company, Topeka, retiring in March of 1985.

Bill married Marilyn R. Cloyes on June 6, 1948 at Madison, KS.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, American Legion Post No. 1 and Masonic Lodge, Golden Rule No. 90 A.F. & A.M., serving as Master in 1998, all of Topeka.

He was preceded in death by a son, David O. White. Survivors are Marilyn R. White, wife, Topeka; Debra A Kemp, daughter, Topeka; three grandsons, Jason W. Spencer, Columbus, OH, Jeffrey R. (Jennifer) Spencer, Topeka and Robert M. "Buddy" Kemp IV, Topeka; a great-granddaughter, Lillian F. Spencer.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 8, 2010 at the Penwell Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS. Interment with military honors will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Masonic services will be conducted by Golden Rule No. 90 A.F. & A.M. Mr. White will lie in state after 3 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Sheltered Living Inc, 2041 SW Fillmore St, Topeka, KS 66604 or to T.A.R.C., 2701 SW Randolph Ave, Topeka, KS 66611.