Donald Ralph White Obituary (1952 - 2024)

Donald Ralph White passed away peacefully at his home in Bella Vista, Arkansas, on May 14th, 2024, at the age of 71. He was born on August 5th, 1952, to his parents Ralph and Evelyn White in Lexington, Illinois. Don graduated from Lexington High School in Lexington, Illinois. After high school, he joined the Air National Guard, where he retired as a Weapons Release Technician in 1994, serving over 20 years. Simultaneously, he embarked on a career as a carpenter and later pursued further education. He attended Northwest Kansas Vocational Tech School, where he completed a degree in Communications Technology. Don graduated at the top of his class in May 1986. His dedication and hard work led to a successful career retiring after 28 years as a Resident Engineer at RVW in Columbus, Ohio. Don eventually moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, to be closer to his family. Don was a humble, intelligent, and hardworking man. His wit and wonderful sense of humor endeared him to those around him. Most importantly, Don took immense pride in his accomplished daughter, Kara, and his two beloved grandchildren, Kinley and Maddie, and son-in-law, Scott. His world revolved around spending time with his family, from celebrating significant events to playing board games. To Kinley and Maddie, he was affectionately known as “Papa White”. Don is survived by his daughter, Kara (Scott) Zenner, granddaughters Kinley and Maddie Zenner, his sister Carol J. Mercado, as well as his nephews Dr. O. Kent (Kathleen) Mercado, Marc (Lilly) Mercado, Matthew (Karen) Mercado, and niece, Dr. Cynthia (Matthew) Ciessau. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Evelyn White, as well as his siblings James and Robert White. The Graveside Service will be on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, Illinois. Calvert-Johnson & Musselman Memorial Home are assisting with local arrangements in Lexington, IL. Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory have assisted locally in Bella Vista, Arkansas where online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations to Teen Action and Support Center in Rogers, Arkansas. TASC provides resources to empower teens for a more successful future. Donations can be sent to 1194 W. Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756 or donate online at www.tascnwa.org.