John "Bob" Robert White, 91, Kokomo, was called home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was born Aug. 21, 1921, in Kokomo, to Carl F. and Elsie L. (Smith) White. On July 17, 1948, he married his loving wife, Eunice R. Robertson, and she survives.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II in the South Pacific as a cook, where he had the honor of serving breakfast to future president, John F. Kennedy. He later served in the Army Reserves during the Korean War. He was very proud of his service and his country. He worked at Delco as a journeyman toolmaker for more than 42 years, retiring in 1981 to begin his second career — caring for his grandchildren. He was a very giving person and was always willing to help others. He was the epitome of a Christlike man. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing and gardening. He especially cherished spending time with his family. He was an avid Pacers and Colts fan. He was an active member of the Kokomo Church of the Brethren where he served as a lifetime Deacon. He also was a longtime member of the Kokomo Noon Lions Club.
He is survived and will be deeply and forever missed by his wife, Eunice R. White; one daughter, Barbara (Robert Carroll) Corwin, Galveston; son-in-law, Cary Pyke, Greentown; grandchildren, John Pyke, Lafayette, Ryan (Sarah) Pyke, Fowler, Erin Pyke, Kokomo, Evan Pyke, Greentown, James Pyke, Greentown, Christopher (Chelsea) Corwin, Germantown Hills, Illinois, and Laura (Greg) Nixon, Kokomo; great-grandchildren, Westen Welsh and Lucy Nixon, Rease Corwin, Garrison Corwin, Mason Louis, Logan Pyke and twins expected in November; two sisters, Geraldine "Dean" Hovis, and Wanita Cox; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sharon Louise Pyke; grandchild, Jason Gene Pyke; and siblings, Howard White, Margaret Romelfanger, Mary Beane, Lilly Thompson, Russell White and Lee White.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Kokomo Church of the Brethren, 311 W. Lincoln Road, with Pastor Mark Stahl officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home.
Family Members
Parents
Carl F. White
1887–1979
Elsie Lillian Smith White
1888–1948
Siblings
Margaret C. White Rommelfanger
1912–1982
Geraldine B "Dean" White Hovis
1919–2021
James Russell White
1924–2012
Wanita M White Cox
1932–2014
