Benjamin White
Grafton | Save
Benjamin Howard White entered into his rest on December 7, 2017 at home with his beloved wife by his side. Benny was born in Schram City, IL on July 18, 1939. He spent most of his childhood in Hillsboro, IL and then moving to Wood River, IL. He graduated from Wood River High School in 1956 and began his military service that same year. He is a proud and honorable Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. Who taught is daughters and granddaughters the Marine Corps Anthem at the earliest possible age. After five years of service Benny was honorably discharged in 1961. After his military service he began working at Laclede Steel, Owens Station and then began his own heavy equipment business with his father in law, Warren Gorman, G & W Excavating. In 1990, Benny began working at Principia College in Elsah, IL as a heavy equipment operator. While he was working there he uncovered the remains of a Wooly Mammoth. Principia has named the Mammoth Benny in gratitude. He retired in 2002 from Principia and spent the rest of his days mowing his giant yard in Grafton, IL where he was a long time resident until August of this year.
Benny married Karen Kay Gorman on June 1, 1963, at Cherry Street Baptist Church in Alton, IL. Together they have four daughters; Stephanie (James) Fee of Nashwauk, MN, Cynthia (Patrick) Miller of Godfrey, IL, Melissa (Bill) Valyo, of Alton, IL and his baby, Alicia (Chip) Mier of Waller, TX. In addition to their four daughters, they have 10 granddaughters; Kelly, Katie, Ellen Fee, Leah (Jordan) Evans, Rachel Miller, Maren, Raina and Ella Valyo, Kallie and Madalyn Mier. He was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his first great-grandson Dalton Benjamin.
He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Edward White and Printha Esther Crabtree White. He was also preceded by his siblings; Mary Jane (James) White, Thomas White, Niland White, Mildred (Don) Crum, and Dorothy (Don) Brown.
Benny leaves behind one sister in law Marjorie White, along with many nieces and nephews.
His long time friend, Rev. Alfred Daves will be officiating his services. A visitation, open to everyone will be held at the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Godfrey, IL on Monday, December 11, 2017 from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. A private family funeral will be held to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
ALEXANDER & GUBSER FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
Alexander Funeral Home
