Lonnie A. White

Lonnie A. White died September 14, 2009 at the age of 90, with his family and friends nearby. He was born in Graham, Texas to Oma Lee (Keller) White and Austin White on April 7, 1919. He left Texas in 1942 to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed in San Diego, California prior to being attached to the U.S. 2nd Fleet Marine Corps as a medic. He made three landings in the Pacific Theatre (Enjobi, Tinian, and Saipan) during World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1945 as a Pharmacists Mate First Class. He remained in San Diego and there met and married his wife of 54 years, Jan. In 1965 he decided it was time to return "home" to Texas and he, his wife and two daughters moved to Waco, Texas. In 1974 he was offered a position in Austin, where he has resided since. Lonnie retired about three different times, each time getting bored with retirement and going on to another position. Most of his adult life was spent in retail, primarily in men's clothing. He did become an automobile salesman when he moved to Austin. After his first retirement he became a bailiff in the Travis County courts, in both County and District courts. Following that retirement he became a substitute bailiff, again serving in both courts. Retirement from that led him to being hired as a Sergeant-at-Arms for the Texas Senate at the State Capitol during regular and special sessions through 1999. Then ill health prevented him from trying yet another career. All of these jobs allowed him to be where he was most comfortable – surrounded by people. He suffered three small strokes at the end of 2005, which he overcame with the exception of having a tendency to fall. In May 2008, as the result of falls, he moved to Park Bend Health Center, where he remained until his death. There, being surrounded by people, he once again was able to experience joy through shared experiences and stories. He met many people, becoming very fond of them – both staff and patients. They seemed to reciprocate and were saddened when his illness kept him confined to his room in his last days. Lonnie is survived by his wife, Jan; his daughter, Lisa Fern; daughter and son-in-law Lane and Paul Wilson of South Carolina; and the joys of his life, grandchildren Sara Fern and Anthony Wilson. He is also survived by his sisters Joy Farris of Dallas, Betty Lyon and her husband, Tom, of Dallas; and many treasured nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, by his brother, AT White of Waco, and his sister, Virginia Dunson of Houston. He loved his family, his Lord, and people in general. A very special thanks is extended to the incredible staff of Park Bend Health Center, whose care and love was valued by Lonnie and members of his family. A special thank you as well to Ben Susen, his roommate at Park Bend. He and Lonnie both shared a love of football, particularly Longhorn football, and they were looking forward to this season. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Weed Corley-Fish Funeral Home with visitation between 6 and 8 pm Thursday, September 17, 2009. Funeral services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 10:00 am, Friday, September 18, 2009 followed by interment at Austin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, Lonnie would appreciate donations being made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice.