John Walter White

John was born on November 22,1946 in Des Moines, Iowa to Walter Walton White and Florence Lucille Kraft White. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War before returning home to build a life centered on hard work and family.

On November 27, 1970, he married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Swank, in Trenton, Missouri. Together them built a life filled with love, raising their three girls and creating countless memories over the years. He loved his daughters deeply and took great pride in being a father and later found joy in his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. While John could have a rough exterior, those who knew him best knew his heart completely belonged to his wife and family. He worked tirelessly throughout his life to make sure they were cared for and had everything they needed, and that unwavering love was evident in everything he did.

John worked as a diesel mechanic for the City of Wichita Fall for more than 20 years, where he was known for his strong work ethic and mechanical skills. Beyond his career, he was a talented carpenter who could build or fix just about anything. He remodeled his family’s home with his own hands and helped many family members remodel theirs as well. Whether tackling a major renovation or a simple repair, John took pride in doing the job right and was always willing to lend his time and talents to help others.

John found his greatest joy in the simple things. He loved the outdoors and especially looked forward to deer hunting each season. Summer vacations were often centered around meeting family at the lake, where they spent time camping and enjoying the outdoors together---something John truly loved. He also had a lifelong passion for old muscle cars, especially his beloved Chevy Nova. Whether he was working on it, racing it, or talking about it, his Nova always brought a smile to his face.

Christmas was one of John’s favorite times of the year. He loved decorating the house and creating a festive home for his family, making the holidays feel extra special for everyone. Music was another great love in his life, and while he enjoyed many artists, The Beach Boys were always his favorite.

John will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his unwavering work ethic, his willingness to help others, his love of the outdoors, and the traditions he created for those he loved. Although he wasn’t always one to wear his heart on his sleeve, his love was shown through his actions, his sacrifices, and the life he built for his family. His memory will live on in the rumble of a classic muscle car, the magic of Christmas, and most importantly, in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.

He is survived by his wife: Sandra Kay White of Wichita Falls; daughters: Kayla Triolet and husband Mark of Lewisville, Texas, Tara Smirl and husband Toby of Fort Worth, and Charlotte Ortiz and husband Felix of El Paso, Texas; sisters: Saundra Smead and Sherrie Gray, both of Des Moines, Iowa; and his grandchildren: Kate, Emily, and Abigail Smirl, Madison Triolet, and Diego and Amaya Ortiz.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM, July 30,2026 at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, 1917 Archer City Highway, Wichita Falls, TX. 76302.