Loren McKinley White

Loren was born in Putnam, Texas October 11, 1930. He grew up in Sulphur, Oklahoma and graduated from Sulphur High School in 1948. While in high school Loren worked as a bellhop in the now historic Artesian Hotel. As a Chickasaw Indian, he sights some of his experiences working at this hotel as providing him with a foundation that would serve him throughout his life.

Loren left Sulphur to attend college in Lubbock, Texas. While still attending college and seminary he met and married his wife of 67 years, Phyllis Lorene Tipton. They were married from August of 1950 until her death in January of 2017.

Loren and Phyllis had three children: Sammy, born on February 13, 1952; Gary, born on July 8, 1954; and Connie, born September 10, 1955.

Loren graduated from Texas Technological College in Lubbock, Texas in 1952 with a BA Degree. He also earned a B.D.L. Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1956 and a Doctor of Divinity from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in 1978.While attending college and seminary Loren held a variety of jobs, from driving a Pepsi truck to selling Fuller Brushes door-to-door. He even worked at some light construction jobs, all in an effort to support his new and growing family so that he could continue his ministry.

Loren’s early career included serving as minister to many church families at Mission of First Baptist Church, Sulphur, Oklahoma; Hodges Baptist Church, Levelland, Texas; First Baptist Church, Melissa, Texas; North Linden Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio; Sowes Baptist Church, Irving, Texas; Northside Baptist Church, Midland, Texas; First Baptist Church, Denver City, Texas; Baptist Temple, San Antonio, Texas; East Grand Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas; and Second Baptist Church, Corpus Christi, Texas.

After retirement in 1992, Loren continued to serve God as he was often asked to preach to retirement communities around San Antonio.

Loren would tell you that his Spiritual Experience began when he was 11 years old. It was then that he was saved in Caddo, Oklahoma. He was Baptized in the First Baptist Church of Caddo in 1941 and began his preaching career at the age of 17.

Loren loved to sing and was often called upon to sing in church services. He was a member of the Glee Club in college and was also a member of an especially popular quartet while serving as minister at Baptist Temple in San Antonio.

As an enthusiastic member of the Baptist Association, Loren served in almost every office of the Association at one time or another, including Moderator. His state service included serving on the Executive Board of B.G.C.T.; serving as a trustee for the Mexican Baptist Children’s Home, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Hawaii Baptist Academy, Christian Learning Center of Corpus Christi; and as a member of the Christian Life Commission.

Some of the highlights of his career included his travels to every Continent in the World, as well as every State in the Union. He preached at hundreds of revival meetings throughout Texas and many other states.

During his career Loren had the honor of serving as guest Chaplain in the House of Representatives in Texas. He also served as the guest Chaplain in the House of Representative in Washington, D.C. in 1977.

After the death of Phyllis, Loren found companionship in a very special lady whom he had known for years. He and Joan were married in 2018 and spent the next six years enjoying life together. He adored Joan, and when she decided she wanted a puppy he went along with it. Loren probably wouldn’t have admitted that this little puppy would become the highlight of many of his days. Sophie was especially happy when she was snuggled up with Dad, watching Andy of Mayberry.

Loren always made friends easily and was especially happy when he found someone who would listen to his stories about his Indian Heritage. He was a proud Chickasaw Indian and loved sharing his knowledge about his tribe and family connections.

Loren’s grandfather on his mother’s side was Eli Perry Goforth, the chief interpreter at the time of land allocation. Mr. Goforth also served as a Chickasaw Senator. Loren’s mother was awarded land in Oklahoma through an Indian Land grant, which she passed on to Loren. He was proud that this property has never been titled in any name other than his family.

He enjoyed participating in the Chickasaw meetings held around San Antonio and loved telling people his Indian Name.

Loren was a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as a friend and pastor to countless others. He was a beacon of love and a blessing to have in our lives for so long.

Loren McKinley White died peacefully in the evening hours of December 18, 2023. He was lovingly cared for by his wife, Joan in the home that he loved. Loren lived 93 remarkable years, serving God and loving life and his family. His gift of nurturing and mentoring people will keep his memory alive for years to come.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Ruth White; brothers, Anan, Nathan and Howell White; sister, Lewanah Parker; wife, Phyllis Lorene Tipton White; son, Sammy White; and grandson, Bryan White. Loren is survived by his wife, Joan Holley White; son, Gary Kent White (wife, Patti); daughter, Connie Ruth Almand (husband, Cecil); daughter-in-law, Tonja (T.J.) White; grandchildren, Jessica Clasper (husband, Craig), Tyler White, Barrett White (wife, Diana), and Zachary White (wife, Jennifer); greatgrandchildren, Cori White, Caden White, Canon White, Bryana Madison White, Barrett White, Jr., Cassidy Robertson, Conner Clasper, and Cayleigh Clasper; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

VISITATIONTUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 202312:00 PMCROSSROADS BAPTIST CHURCH8300 TEZEL ROAD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78254

FUNERAL SERVICETUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 20231:00 PMCROSSROADS BAPTIST CHURCH