Edwin Ward White, 97, passed over from this life to his eternal home prepared for him by our merciful and loving Heavenly Father, on Thursday, May 17, at his farmhouse home of 63 years, Aberdeen Acres, having been surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all throughout the day.
Born March 1, 1921 in Sinks Grove, WV the youngest of three sons to Joseph S. and Lula White. Edwin attended Sunday school and “Preachin” every week, and with the family would often attend week-long revival meetings; never missing a night. Throughout the week he worked with his father and brothers on the farm to thrash wheat and oats, make sheaves, dry beans, and keep the springhouse repaired, raised chickens and dairy cattle and worked in the garden. On hot summer days he would enjoy swimming in the cool waters of Second Creek with friends. He enjoyed school and read a lot; and sometimes after school and on weekends would go to the local movie theatre to see his favorite cowboy pictures with Hoot Gibson and Tom Mix.
After graduating High School, he studied accounting and bookkeeping at National Business College, in Roanoke, Virginia, where he met his beloved Eunice, after moving into the same boarding house where she lived while also attending classes. They were married on December 31, 1943 in the living room of a local pastor, with his wife and their dog as witnesses.
Ed & Eunice made their home in Roanoke, Virginia. He worked at the Kroger Food Stores as an auditor, traveling throughout the state. After his mother passed in 1952, his father lived with them for a short time and together they toured cross-country to points including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Catalina Island. A daughter, Patricia Gail was born, and though they lived in a very nice community and had wonderful neighbors and friends, owning his own farm was still his dream.
At the urging of a friend and pastor, they traveled to Martinsburg, WV to see a 157 acre farm in the rural community of Greensburg in Berkeley County and after deciding to purchase, relocated in the fall of 1955.
For over half a century from that day, he would raise a family, till, grow and harvest crops, raise cattle and hogs, travel to Europe and Hawaii, and teach many a fledging young man how to bale hay and stand on a moving wagon without falling off. He also loved his family and supported them in every way that he knew how.
Surviving are his wife of 75 years, Eunice L. White, daughters, Patricia Christophel and husband Loren of Martinsburg, Connie Grosjean and husband Ron, of Kearneysville, and Carol White of Martinsburg. Seven Grandchildren: Darrion Clemons and wife Tanya, of Martinsburg, Heidi Metcalf and husband Tommy of Hedgesville, Kendra Keese and husband Curtis of Las Vegas, Nevada, Shawn Riker and wife Jodi of Florida, Cameron Riker and wife Adel of Martinsburg, Joses James of Kearneysville, and Edward White and wife Nicole of Pennsburg, PA., Sixteen Great grandchildren, and 1 Great great grandchild.
Niece Dorothy Pumphrey, and great niece Debbie Hanuska of Martinsburg, as well as cousins and other extended family.
Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lula White, and brothers Marcus and Malvin White.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 from 6-8 pm at Rosedale Funeral home, 917 Cemetery Road, Martinsburg, WV. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rosedale Chapel, with Rev. Dr. G. Edward Grove, and Rev. Dr. Edward White, grandson, officiating. Interment will be at the Rosedale cemetery following the service.
The family wish to gratefully and profoundly thank those persons who have given devoted hours of care and service of many facets since Edwin’s illness began over a year ago. To every aide, nurse, social worker, or volunteer with Hospice of the Panhandle, we also thank you. His life has been deeply enriched and blessed by your expressions of love and dedication to making his remaining days on this earth as full and complete as they could be.
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