John Edmond White

John Edmond White, of Wenatchee, WA, was born on August 1, 1925 to Earl and Dorothy (Copeland) White in Melbourne, AR. J.E.(Jay) spent his childhood on the family farm helping tend 80 acres of cotton, corn, peanuts, hay, and potatoes, which they used to support themselves, his family's ten cows, four hogs, and two "of the most stubborn mules that ever lived." The best job was squirrel hunting, "one shot, one squirrel or no hunting the next day." The long depression years behind, Jay's family was eager for new opportunities and moved to the "valley where money grows on trees" in 1942. Jay refused a deferment and enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1944. November 9, 1944 saw Pvt. J.E. White and his rifle on some "little beach in France." He carried that rifle all throughout Europe to the outskirts of Berlin. While he and his fellow "Golden Acorns" waited for the Russians, Germany surrendered. Jay was awarded the American Service Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Jay returned to the U.S. on July 11, 1945. He was honorably discharged on April 22, 1946. He quite naturally summed up his time in the service with one word, "scared." While on leave after coming from Europe to Wenatchee, he and his brother were at The Night and Day. He looked at Joe Ray and said to his brother, "you see that girl over there? I'm going to marry her!" Rena Faye Dillard was swept off her feet and on Oct 1, 1945 she became his wife, his soul mate, his meaning to life. They were blessed to have sons: Dennis (1946) and Terry (1951), and a daughter, Sandra R. (1954). Jay loved deeply. He filled their childhoods with great fun! Disneyland, camping at Wapato Point, family barbecues, holiday games, and birthday parties. When they were adults, he gave them more than he could ever have realized and made wonderful memories now left to cherish. Jay worked the orchards briefly, and for a short time the city of Wenatchee. He began employment at Alcoa in 1952 and retired from there in 1982. Unlike many Alcoa veterans, Jay and Faye were able to enjoy a long and eventful retirement. The days were filled with extended RV trips across America- Branson, Nashville, Knoxville (for the fair), Kansas City, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, L.A., Canada, and his most favorite, Arkansas. Winters were reserved time for home in front of the fire and the great family meals of the holidays. Jay, a humble man who loved the Lord, was a long time member of the Wenatchee First Assembly Church. On July 10, 2016, he joined the Lord; his parents; sons: Dennis and Terry; infant grandson, Mark Andrew White; and brother, Joe Ray. Jay never thought himself a hero, but his loving family does. Left to remember our hero are his beautiful bride of 70 years, Rena Faye; daughter, Renae (Scott) Shales; grandchildren: Brandi (Tobi) Valladolid, Jason (Camille) White, Sarah (Ryan) Edwards, Rachel (Jordan) Miller, Kristi (Ryan) Shales; and several great-grandchildren, all of Wenatchee, WA; sister, Loretta Stroud of Portland, OR, and sister, Glenda Vanderpool of Huntsville, AR; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends from all around the U.S. God bless our "man of steel", John Edmond White. Faye and family wish to thank all for the prayers, cards, calls, love, and great memories expressed for Jay. You are invited to attend a viewing at Telford's Chapel of the Valley on Thursday July 14, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held on July 15, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park, East Wenatchee, WA, with a reception to follow at Wenatchee First Assembly of God Church. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.

John Edmond White

August 1, 1925 - July 10, 2016