Henry Richard White, Jr., age 80, of St. Clair, Missouri, formerly of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, December 6, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at Grace Baptist Church in Union, Missouri, on Monday, December 10, at 11:00 am, with visitation preceding at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. Louis.
Rich was born on June 4, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Henry and Mary White. As a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Rich went on to play football at the University of Arizona and then Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where he graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree. Rich began his vocational career as the first Men’s Basketball Coach at Missouri Baptist College. During this time he earned a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Truman State University. Following a ten year coaching career, Rich was called to the gospel ministry, serving congregations in Texas, Missouri, Ohio, and Iowa. He finished his career as an Admissions Recruiter for Hannibal LaGrange University.
Rich married Eva Jeane Brookhart on November 5, 1960. To their union three children were born: Lori Russell, Lisa (Tim) Deatrick, and Danny (Tamah) White. He was the proud grandfather of five: Ryan, Lauren, and Shannon Deatrick, and Abigail and Amelia White.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Mary White Fenton, and his daughter Lori. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, two children, five grandchildren, one brother, Steven (Sandy) White of St. Louis, Missouri, numerous nieces and nephews, a host of friends and countless numbers of people he personally led to faith in Christ.
Rich played rugby for several St. Louis clubs and enjoyed weightlifting and handball. He loved a good rack of ribs, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and always kept a toothpick within reach. Most of all, he will be remembered for his deep faith, love for the Lord Jesus and beginning each day with Bible reading and prayer.
Memorials may be made to Hannibal LaGrange University or the charity of your choice.
Tim and Lisa, So sorry to hear of Rich’s death. Let me know the funeral home and if they have an online guest book. You probably know this, but in the summer of 1970, Rich asked me to direct music at Whiteside BC. I so enjoyed doing so. I loved riding with him and his family. He would meet me at MBU and then we would go to Whiteside. I’d lead worship. We’d come back in time for me to attend TG that evening. Best of both worlds. That brief experience with Rich and those folks really encouraged me as I prepared for ministry. He’ll be missed. God bless you.
Praying for Jeannie and the family.
Hank the Tank.
Love ya Sonny very much. Stevie and Sandy Krissy and Jenny and Maddy
We love you and miss you Uncle Sonny. Diane, Marcus, Megan and Nathan McCoy.
I remember as a little girl sitting in 1st Southern Baptist Church wondering if Uncle Rich would ever stop talking…I being 4 or 5 years old I just knew I was getting hungry. lol!! Uncle Rich you will be missed!
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.1 You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Matthew 25:21
All my love!
Jenna