Donald James White

Donald James White, 71, of Springfield, passed at 2:35 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Memorial Hospice at Heritage. Donald was born March 4, 1947 in Springfield, the son of Donald W. and C. Elizabeth Utter White. He married Sally J. Bryden on August 6, 1966 in Alexander. Donald graduated from Griffin High School in 1965 and Springfield Junior College in 1972. He was employed with Franklin Life Insurance from 1966 - 1969 and then with the Department of Rehabilitation Services at the Department of Human Services from 1969 until his retirement in 2002, after 33 years of service. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, NRA, Illinois State Rifle Association, Abe Lincoln Gun Club, FMCA, and Lincoln Land Coachman. Donald also volunteered at the Animal Protective League, Dana Thomas House, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, and the Illinois State Military Museum. His greatest accomplishments were being married to the same person for 51 years, his son, his grandchildren, and remodeling his house over 30 years. Donald enjoyed traveling, photography, computers, shooting, woodworking, and reading. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Sally White of Springfield; son, Christopher (wife, Regina) White of Athens; grandchildren, Christina and Jonathan White; and sister, Marie Celeste Costa of Springfield. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Robert Jallas, celebrant. Private family burial will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702, St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702, or Memorial Hospice at Heritage, 900 North Rutledge, Springfield, IL 62702.