Lee Rex White

Lee Rex White was born on May 28, 1937, in Portland, Oregon, to Lawrence Lee White and Elsie Minerva Miller (Daly) (Rudolph). He attended Gilbert School and Benson High School. When Lee was twelve, his father passed away, and he was then raised by his stepmother, Anna Cooper White.

Lee served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves from 1960 until 1966, spending part of his service stationed in Verdun, France, as a driver.

His connection to Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery began early. As a teenager, he worked there during the summers, moving watering hoses. His father had been employed at the cemetery since its early years, and his Uncle Kenneth White also worked there. This strong family tradition continued, as all five of Lee and Kathy’s children spent time working there as well.

In January 1969, Lee married Kathleen Divine Wise. Through this marriage he became husband; and father to her four children—David White, Robert White, Marie White (Steffen), and Matthew White—whom he adopted. Their daughter, Linda White (Huseby), was born in November 1969.

In 1979–1980, Lee contracted the construction of the family home, completing much of the work himself. He devoted more than 65 years to Lincoln Memorial Park, most recently working two afternoons a week in the mausoleum. He remained active with projects at home, on their rental property next door, and as a trustee at Wichita Avenue Church.

Lee and Kathy were grateful for the opportunity to serve on work teams in Romania, Honduras, El Salvador, and Argentina—travels and experiences that became treasured memories.

Lee passed away after a short hospital stay due to complications from pneumonia.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence White; his mother, Elsie Rudolph; his stepmother, Anna Cooper White; his half-sister, Betty Jean White Yeager; his half-brother, Bob Daly; his stepbrother, Jess Cooper; and his stepsister, Verna Kaleta.

Lee is survived by his five children, thirteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed.