Leo Eugene White

Gene grew up on a small farm in Dumas where he spent most of his adolescence learning from and helping his grandfather (papa) and dad on the farm. While in high school, Gene also found his passion for aviation. Gene took his first solo flight in 1959 at the age of 15.

While teaching new Air Force recruits to fly in Alabama, he met the love of his life, Bert Wilkes. They were married on August 3, 1968, at the First Baptist Church in Sheffield, Alabama. Bert was Gene’s perfect match, and they were truly best friends. They had two incredible sons, Dale and Justin, who have followed in Gene’s footsteps as fellow aviators.

Gene’s career as a pilot took the family on many adventures throughout the years and they lived in several states including Alabama and Indiana before settling down in Wichita, Kansas – the Air Capital of the World. Gene retired from flying at the age of 69 with an impressive career of over 54 years and more than 20,000 hours of flight time in everything from hot air balloons and helicopters to business jets. He was a recipient of the FAA’s Master Pilot “Wright Brothers” Award.

Another of Gene’s passions outside of aviation was his workshop. He was a true craftsman in every sense of the word and loved making things and gifting them to his family and friends.

We will miss his infectious laugh but will cherish all the memories we have had with him.

Gene is survived by his sons Dale White and Justin White (Sarah); sister Anna (Johnny) Wooten; Brother-in-Law Frank Todd; grandchildren Ashley White and Allie Beth White; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his sweetheart Bert White; father Dale Thomas White; mother Verna Lee White and sister Patsy Todd.

A memorial service for Gene will occur at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E 13th St N, Wichita, Kansas 67206. Burial will be held immediately following the service at Lakeview Cemetery. Please join us through Livestream at http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c2409310170201

Contributions in Gene’s memory can be made to MakeICT - Wichita's Makerspace, 5920 E Mount Vernon St, Wichita, KS 67218 - https://makeict.org/ or Classic Lear Jet Foundation, 626 S. Tyler #75623, Wichita, KS 67209 - https://classiclear.org/support/.