Robert K. "Bob" White

Robert K. “Bob” White, 89, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2015, at Richmond Healthcare. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, May 18, 2015, at Dengel & Son Mortuary followed by burial at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, with military honors by the United States Air Force. Mr. White will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday and Monday from 9:00 A.M. to service hour where the family will meet with friends from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., Monday prior to service. Bob was born Wednesday, October 21, 1925, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Robert John and Gladys E. (Tharp) White. He was a lifelong Franklin County resident except for his service years. Bob graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1943 and attended one year at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas, prior to entering the Air Force. Bob served in the 310 Army Air Forces Base Unit during World War II from April 12, 1944, until May 13, 1946, as a Radio Operator Mechanic Gunner, attaining the rank of Corporal. He received the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Ribbon. He was recalled to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict from October 13, 1950, until August 10, 1951, as a radio operator attaining the rank of Sergeant. He worked as a radio dispatcher for Missouri-Pacific Railroad from 1954 until 1955, and as a carrier and clerk for the Post Office from 1960 until 1965. On September 15, 1965, he went into partnership with Wilbur Foulks to continue Bob White Motor Company, which his parents had formed. In September 1981, he purchased the other half of the dealership. He retired from the business in May of 1982. He was a 50 year member of Ottawa Lodge #18, A.F. & A.M.(Ancient Free & Accepted Masons), Ottawa Lodge #803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Kansas York Rite, Chapter #7; Ottawa Council #18, Royal and Select Masons; Tancred Commandry #11, Knights Templar; a life member Union Chapter #15, Order of the Eastern Star, and Abdullah Shrine Temple of Overland Park, Kansas. On June 27, 1948, Bob was united in marriage with Willa Lee Bond in Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of the home. He is also survived by sons, Wayne C. White of Ottawa, and Steven L. “Howdy” White of Carthage, Missouri; grandsons, Luke Ryan White and Levi Robert White; his foster family, Dan Hope and his wife, Margie of Nevada, Missouri, and their family formerly of Ottawa; niece, Debbie Lines; great-niece, Kimberly Evans and husband Zach; and great-great-niece, Hallie Evans all of Ottawa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gladys White; and sister, June Foulks Stanton. The family suggests memorials contributions to Midland Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their condolences and memories on Bob’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.