Colonel Joel Chester White Jr

Joel Chester White, Jr. Passed away on February 9, 2011 at the age of 89. Born in Hope, Arkansas to Chester and Hettie White on July 2, 1921. Joel came to Tucson with his family in 1936. He attended Mansfield Jr. High and Tucson High School. In 1939, joined the Army and was in the horse calvary stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas. During WWII he served overseas in New Guinea, Philippine Islands and was on the Japanese Island of Okinawa when the war ended. After WWII Joel attended the University of Arizona and graduated in 1950 with a B.A. in Education, he later earned a M.A. He taught school for TUSD at Safford Middle School for seven years and at Tucson High School for 23 years, he retired in 1981. His wife, Jean was also a teacher at Tucson High School where they met. Joel was also in the Army National Guard after WWII. He became the commander of the Southern Arizona National Guard for several years, and ended his Army career in the Army Reserves as a full Colonel in 1973. After his retirement from both of these ventures, Joel was a volunteer Docent at the Arizona Historical Society for 22 years. He was also an avid golfer, enjoying his weekly games with his friends. Joel and his wife, Jean also enjoyed traveling, spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joel is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Travis. He is survived by his wife, Jean of 33 years and his daughter, Theresa (Bob) Lemon of Tucson; sons, Daniel (Toni) of Spokane, Washington and Thomas of Tucson; five grandchildren, Kevin, Bryan, Emily, Lauren and Scott; three great-grandchildren, Marisa, Natalie and Taylor. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Nancy (Chris) Wood, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Marion (Peter) Gierlach, Pearce, AZ, Jeannie (Michael) Bartz, Tucson and Grace (Mark) Yuen, Hawaii and step-grandchildren, Martha, Willie, Jaime, Sarah, Katy, Erika, Aaron, Evan, Amelia and Mario; also step-great-grandchildren, Finley, Chiara, Deven, Sasha and Sadie Grace. The family would like to thank the caregivers, Sarah, Zorka, Anita, Lupe and the Carondelet Hospice for all of their help and comfort. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Arizona Historical Society of Arizona or Carondelet Hospice and Palliative Care. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 S. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ 85706. Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel South Lawn, Tucson, AZ.