Ernest R White

Ernie was born on January 26, 1927 in Quay County, New Mexico to Aram and Mary Love White. Ernie was one of 5 children which included sisters; Nella Beth, Doris, Leona and brother Irvin.

Ernie grew up in Dalhart, Texas prior to moving to the Houston area. He enlisted and served during World War II in the United States Navy. After completing his service to his country, Ernie attended the Landig College of Mortuary Science in Houston and was employed as an embalmer when he responded to the Texas City Disaster in April of 1947.

In March of 1947 Ernie met his future wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Magdaline Knoulton and the two were joined in marriage at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Houston on June 5, 1948.

Ernie and Betty were blessed with 6 children all of who adored him as well as his grand and great-grandchildren. Known as "Pops" to family and close friends and "Paw Paw" to the grandchildren he had a tremendous sense of humor which he happily shared through his practical jokes, tricks and other antics with all around him. In the few occasions he was caught off guard and the joke was on him or he was ever at a loss for words, his famous response of "whoa!!" will always be remembered. Paw Paw is also very fondly remembered by all the grandchildren for the special $1 bill they received every time they visited or he visited them. In 1981 Ernie built and moved to a home in the Birch Creek Estates at Lake Somerville which came to be known as "Pops Place". Many happy times are remembered at Pops Place including camping trips, great BBQ, poker games and dominoes. Pops could build or fix anything and enjoyed working with his hands. He built a shop at his Somerville home and spent many hours on woodworking projects as well as religious articles he made as gifts and donations to various agencies. He served on the Homeowners Board at Birch Creek Estates as well as an honorary member of the Burleson County Sheriff's Department.

Ernie is survived by his brother, Irvin and wife LuAnn; his daughters, Andrea Esposito, Maria "Sam" Silver and husband Gary, Nannette Seay and husband Charley, Valle Wilson and husband Brian; sons, Gerard White and wife Sally, Anthony White and wife Lisa; 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren as well as many other family and friends.

A celebration of Ernie's life is scheduled as follows: Visitation will be held 5pm-8pm on Wednesday, April 26, Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at St Anne's Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer, Houston, Texas, 77098 followed by a graveside service at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077.

Pallbearers will include Gerard White, Anthony White, John Esposito, Jeff Esposito, Brad Price and Brian Wilson.A very special thanks goes to our sister, Andrea Esposito for her continual loving care over the past several years while daddy lived with her in her home in Fairchild, Texas. Also, the fantastic staff and doctors at OakBend Medical Center and OakBend Skilled Nursing Facility as well as all others who provided care for him during his times of need.

A special quote from Pops on life in general …"No Problem"