Born in Alden, Kansas, Ronald spent his early years in Topeka before answering the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he trained and worked as a heavy equipment and airplane mechanic on the Flight Line. His military service laid the groundwork for a lifelong career defined by technical skill and dedication.
Following his honorable discharge, Ronald continued his work as a mechanic with EBY and later IESI, bringing diligence and craftsmanship to every task until his retirement in 2008. He chose early retirement to care for his mother-in-law, Ruby Coats, while his wife Linda continued her nursing career. Their home in Iowa Park became a place of warmth and family connection.
Ronald found joy in collecting miniature replicas of heavy equipment and tools—small tributes to the machines he once worked on with pride. A man of quiet faith, he was a member of Hillside Baptist Church in Electra, Texas, and held Psalm 23 close to heart.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda White; daughter Lisa Johnson (Kenneth); sons Royce Watson and Ronnie White; brother Tom White brother-in-law Dan Coats; grandchildren Scotty Strange (Brandi), Heather White, and Amber Watson Lee (James); great-grandchildren Kasin Strange and Lainey Lee; nephews Daren Coats (Tina), Brannon Coats, and Jimmy Coats (Nicole); nieces Tammy Coats Doss (Jerry) and Manuela Coats (Ramon Villarreal); and many great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ronald was preceded in death by his father Roy Vincent White; mother Ruth Virginia Hughbanks White Butler; father-in-law K.B. Coats; mother-in-law Ruby Coats; siblings Kurt White, Vernon White, Richard White, Janet Lockhart, and Judy Hogg; sister-in-law Louise Coats; and grandson Sheldon Strange.
A visitation memorial service for Ronald will be held Monday, June 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Dutton Funeral Home Chapel Entrance, 300 East Cash Street, Iowa Park, TX 76367-2013.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friendly Door in Iowa Park or Complete TX Hospice in Wichita Falls.
