Jerry Don White

Jerry Don “JD” White, age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the Brister Ranch on December 20, 2024. He was born July 8, 1946 to Eldon and Vergie White in Corsicana, Texas. Upon graduation from Corsicana High School in 1965, Jerry went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University where he would meet his wife and love of his life, Rose Lefner. He enlisted in the Army and was active duty as a Lieutenant in the Vietnam War.

Upon returning from war, Jerry and Rose lived in El Paso, Texas, Des Moines, Iowa and Dallas, Texas. He left the army and worked several jobs in sales. A salesman by nature, Jerry excelled as a top salesman for Union Carbide, Rhone-Poulenc and Bayer in the agricultural division. On the side, Jerry farmed cotton and peanuts in Paducah, Texas. His love for people and farming was evident in his work.

Jerry’s job at home was his most coveted. He thrived in his roles a dad and a family man. He was a hands-on, very involved and supportive father. He attended every ball game, even traveling abroad on multiple occasions to watch his daughters play basketball. He served as pageant coach, including helping design evening gowns. When a cheese bread was needed for 4H, well, Jerry made a dozen to get to the perfect loaf. He always provided fun and adventure on every family trip. He was most proud of his family, children and seven grandchildren.

Jerry’s large personality and ability to connect with others is what we will remember the most. He loved meeting new people and after learning their names; he would quickly follow up with "Where are you from?” He loved poetry, storytelling, and laughing. He lived life to the fullest and naturally saw humor in nearly every situation.

Upon retirement, Jerry and Rose enjoyed traveling before moving to Seven Points, Texas. They owned a cattle ranch that often ran more like a reality television show. They loved their numerous cats, dogs and, of course, the cattle they tended to daily. Jerry donated generously to several causes close to this heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Glen White, sister-in-law Ernestine White, nephew Jerry White, brother-in-law Bill McCrary, and brothers-in-law Milton Lefner, Frankie Lefner and Daniel Lefner.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Rose; sister Nelda McCrary; daughter Amanda Brister and her husband, Ben, of Troup, Texas; daughter Candace Whitaker and her husband, Matt, of Florence, AL; grandchildren Benny, Blair, Brady and Beau Brister, and Westin, William and Callahan Whitaker; brother-in-law Emil Lefner and wife Paulette; sister-in-law Joann Witmer and husband Richard; sister-in-law Bobbye Lefner; and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A rosary and visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 1, 2024 at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home in Mabank, Texas from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be conducted on Thursday, January 2, 2024 at St Jude Catholic Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas at 9 a.m. Interment will take place at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery following mass.

Serving as pallbearers are Ben Brister, Matt Whitaker, Chris Thompson, Chuck Stack, Mike Hunt, Benny Brister, Westin Whitaker, and Brady Brister.