William Joseph White

Bill was a very loyal, honest, kind, and talented man who gained the respect of all who knew him. He was devoted to his wife and children, and found delight in each of his grandchildren.

Bill served in the United States Air Force, before meeting Barbara, the love of his life. They married on February 29, 1964, in Lansing, Michigan. Although they enjoyed almost 61 years of marriage, they celebrated only 15 anniversaries. Together they have two children; Lorissa Michelle (Scott) Hofmann, and Joseph Charles (Sarah) White, and five grandchildren, Jacob Hofmann, Emily (Jase) White, William (Kate) White, Matthew Hofmann, and Katherine Hofmann. He is survived by two siblings, Michael (Linda) White and Rebecca (Bruce) Long; sisters-in-law, Deloris McLane and Janene (Wayne) Craven; brother-in-law, Royal VanAken, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents; older sister, Barbara (DeOren) Wolever; sister-in-law, Yvonne VanAken, and brother-in-law, Richard McLane.

Bill’s innate talent for woodworking earned him the moniker, “White the Termite”, from his high school shop teacher. This gift got the better of him over time and in 1975 he launched his own custom-built furniture business. His skills are on display in the Michigan House of Representatives in the two hand-crafted chairs that set on either side of the eight-foot-tall Speaker’s chair which was removed from the Capitol Museum warehouse and delivered to him for restoration to its original beauty. In addition to one- of-a-kind furniture and custom cabinetry, Bill also built reproduction Victor speartip horns which are found in collectors’ homes throughout the United States. He was a long-time member of the Antique Phonograph Society.

Bill loved God and family with quiet passion. He will be remembered for his staunch optimism and perseverance. His belief in God’s fairness was heard in his final hours when he said, “Jesus made a lot of promises and I’m going to go collect on them.” Later, his last words, “I love you,” affirm his profound love for Barbara. Although he will be deeply missed, it is a blessing that his pain has finally ended. His family is grateful to Dr. Dudash and Dr. Bohrer for their care and understanding, and to Lisa of McLaren Hospice for her gentle kindness during the last hours of his life.

A private graveside service for family will be held at 11:00 am at Fowler Cemetery, 1475 Gale Road

Aurelius Township (Eaton Rapids), Michigan 48827.

A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at the Aurelius Township Hall, 1939 S. Aurelius Road, Mason, Michigan, on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:30 PM for family and friends.