Charles White

He was survived by his son, Charles White (Sherry White) of Riverside; stepchildren: Richard “Rick” Halter of Newberry Springs; Sharon Halter-Day (Richard “Rich” Day) of Highland; and grandchildren: Matthew White of Eastvale, Danielle Day Lis (Cody Lis) of Mentone, and Austin Day of Highland and numerous additional loved ones and friends.

He will additionally be missed by his family in Arkansas. Siblings on his mother’s side include James “Jim” Johnson (Kathy), Marvin Wright, and Barbara Faries of Hacket. Siblings on his father’s side include Johnny White of Bismarck, Tommy White, Susan Cox and Kathy Hughes of Hot Springs, Janice Christensen and Linda Thornton Bismarck, Randy White and Janet Vaughn from Washington state.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie “Marj” White, Lester “Jack” White (father), Pearline “Pearl” Wright (mother), Shelton Wright (stepfather).

Charles was born and raised in Malvern, Arkansas. As a young child, he loved to read books, collected old battery-operated radios, and mostly loved to tinker with anything mechanical or electrical. At the age of 14, he worked at a gas station and pumped gas, cleaned windshields, changed oil on cars. His boss even allowed Charles to drive his truck to pick up supplies and parts for the station.

Charles was always independent. At the age of 16, he asked his mom to sign paperwork for him to join the army. After basic training, Charles was given the opportunity to do what he loved the most: repairing vehicles. Once he was eligible, Charles was chosen for warrant officer helicopter flight training. During his final qualifying flight, the helicopter experienced a malfunction. The aircraft plummeted over 2,000 feet and crashed. Charles was later found later unconscious. After approximately two months in the hospital with severe injuries and a broken back, he returned to his work as a mechanic. Charles completed his military work as a recruiter sharing information to young individuals about opportunities in the army.

Charles served two tours in Vietnam. He was stationed in Germany, Fort Leonard Wood (MO), and Fort Leavenworth (Kansas), and Korea. Charles retired after 22 years of active-duty military service. After retirement, he worked at Fort Irwin as the Base Maintenance Manager and then worked several years at Prime Trucking Company in Springfield, Missouri.

As an adult, Charles enjoyed going to yard sales and taking old things and giving them new life. He liked collecting trains, old railroad lanterns, and antique radios, but his biggest passion was working on cars along with inventing, creating, and building just about anything. He built a dune buggy, a trailer mover, and even made a device to melt aluminum into large blocks so that he could easily store it and make something with the metal later.

Charles had southern charm and was kind to others, whether it was the health professionals that served him, a young soldier, or a person he just met. People enjoyed hearing his stories and about his vast knowledge about cars, welding, repair, and anything mechanical. In addition to sharing his experiences, he was always available to help. He helped Rick “plant” 4x4 poles to secure a roof, taught Rich the art of welding, and Sharon how to repair cars. He taught Adam how to take shortcuts in carpentry because Adam was “too much of a perfectionist.” Part of the legacy that he left to younger Charles was teaching him about tools and basic mechanics as they turned a 1967 convertible Chevelle Malibu that didn’t work into a smooth-running vehicle.

Charles left a lasting impression on so many people. He will be missed and not be forgotten.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.meadcares.com for the White family.