Warren Westley White

Warren W. White was born June 13, 1924, in Phillipsburg, Kansas. He died January 26, 2008, at Jewell County Hospital- Long Term Care, Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 83 years, 7 months, and 13 days.

Warren was the only child of Lester and Sylvia White. He attended grade school and graduated high school in 1942 from Phillipsburg High School. After graduation, he served in the United States Navy in the Armed Guard until his honorable discharge in 1945. In 1944, Warren was united in marriage to Lillian Anderson in Phillipsburg. To this union three children were born - Dennis, Mary Ann, and Jan. Warren worked in the grocery store business in Portland Oregon until 1948 when he returned to Phillipsburg and worked in the grocery business for several more years. He then joined White’s Insurance Agency which was founded by his grandfather Harry. Warren was active in community affairs including serving as president during his term on the Phillipsburg School Board. He was also a member of the Rotary Club, Phillipsburg Rodeo Association, First Presbyterian Church and Masonic Lodge. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and also a member of the VFW.

Warren was united in marriage to Barbara Foster on July 19, 1968, at Marysville, Kansas. Warren and Barbara moved to Humboldt, Iowa, where they purchased and operated the Montgomery Ward Catalog Agency for several years. Warren was employed by the Chantland Company as a credit manager until his retirement in 1987. After retirement, he moved to Burr Oak, Kansas. During retirement, he and Barbara served as camp hosts at Glendoe Reservoir in Wyoming and at Glen Elder in Kansas. For 16 years, Warren and Barbara enjoyed spending their winters in Edinburgh, Texas where they made many friends. Warren enjoyed hunting, fishing, rock collecting and was an accomplished wood carver. Warren remained active in the American Legion in Burr Oak and became a member of the United Methodist Church.

Warren was preceded in death by his wife Barbara; daughter Mary Ann Delaney and granddaughter Lacie Ann Maruniak.

Warren is survived by two children - son Dennis and wife Sherry of Cedaredge, Colorado; and daughter, Jan Long of Dearborn, Missouri; as well as three stepdaughters - Patti and husband Dewey Luckinbill of Bridgeport, Nebraska, Cindy Maruniak of Burr Oak, Kansas; and Bunny Sinks of Lodgepole, Nebraska; 16 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for Warren W. White was held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, February 1, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Burr Oak, Kansas, with Pastor Dan Dempsey officiating. Mrs. Diana Dethloff was the organist, and the family selected pre-recorded music for the service: "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus", "Old Rugged Cross", "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms", and "Waltz Across Texas". Casket bearers were: Mitch Maruniak, Ben Luckinbill, Rusty Long, Gyula Weiser, Bill Boyer, and Jeremy Long. Honorary casket bearers were: Kermit and Sharon Chantland, Ken and Bonnie Anderson, Don Olson, Gene Johnson, and grandsons - Randy, Gage, Kyle and Reed. Interment followed the church service at the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak, Kansas, and Military Honors were presented by United States Navy Reserve, Emery Clemons American Legion Post NO. 263, and Perry Lamb American Legion Post No. 368. Melby Mortuary in Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements with visitation to be held on Wednesday and Thursday. The family suggests memorials to Solomon Valley Hospice, Beloit, Kansas, or to Jewell County Long Term Care, Mankato, Kansas.