Commander (Ret) Richard E. White

serving in WWII. After the war he attended the University of Kansas achieving his Bachelors degree and then re-enlisted in the Navy as an Aviation officer candidate. He received his primary flight training at

the Pensacola Naval Air Station Whiting Field in 1951 and went on to Corry Station and Saufley Field for

instrument and gunnery training respectively. In 1953 he received his wings of gold and an Ensign

commission at Barin Field, Alabama It was then the natural progression to jet training starting in

Kingsville then Miramar. In 1967 he was promoted to Commander and the following year he was the

assistant Air officer aboard the USS Kitty Hawk with two combat tours in Vietnam. In 1972 he found

himself back in Pensacola as a Flight Support Officer supporting the Chief of Naval Education and

Training. He experienced a 30 year career with the Navy, accumulating over 6000 hours of flight time in

25 different aircrafts.

After retiring from the Navy he accumulated over 3000 volunteer hours serving as a security guard and

tour guide at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola FL. He was a member of the Lions Club

International, serving in various roles including local chapter President, Secretary and was awarded Lion

of the Year. He was also a dedicated blood donor during his lifetime, donating over 7 gallons.

He was a father to three sons with his first wife, Cathie. Both went on to remarry. In 1970 he met Betty

the love of his life, while at a piano bar in California. They married in 1970 and moved to Arlington, VA.

with her two children, which he later adopted. They were married for 51 years and after retiring he and

Betty traveled extensively with trips taking them to exotic places all over the world.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Gail White; his brother, Harry White; his sister,

Marge and his son Ken White. He is survived by his wife, Betty White; children, Julie Rowell (Mark), Jeffrey White (Laura), Casey Tierney (Deanna), Kevin White (Louanne); his five grandchildren, Ashley,

Elizabeth, Zachary, Leah and Trevor; seven great grandchildren, Kelsey, Kyler, Amyas, Dakari, Jaden,

Christopher and Isabella; and three great great grandchildren Khari, Delando and Khavia.

There will be a graveside service at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Naval Air Station with full

military honors, on Friday, July 16th 2021 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Boulevard

Pensacola, FL 32508.

The family would also like to thank Covenant Hospice and Kimberly Mandicino for their exceptional and

compassionate care of Richard during his illness.