WE wish you could have known Mr White. He was truly one of a kind. Grew up on a farm in Missouri, served in the Navy during WWII and later again in the Army, he’s probably seen it all. From a generation that many of us are not familiar with, but boy he had a way of relating to you across all generational and cultural divides. He was Mr White to everyone, and everyone was his special friend.

Mr White passed away a year ago on Christmas Eve, just 5 days after his 91st birthday. It was a sad goodbye for many of us who knew him personally but also a sweet memory now as we surely know that the legacy of his life would continue to live with us forever.  

Among many things Mr White did, he built a church that many now call their spiritual home (we mean built, literally, with his hands!). For several decades it was a church for his family and friends. But now it is a home to new generation of immigrants (mostly Hispanic and Hmong Americans who live in the area). When most of the previous members of the church left town with changing times, Mr White and his family stuck around and became dear friends to the newcomers. And no, it wasn’t because anything he did - though he did a lot, always behind the scene - it was simply because who he was, a friend to everyone.  

So, in loving memory of his life we are creating a youth scholarship to help foster the same spirit of service and friendship among many young people who live in this incredibly diverse neighborhood. We invite you to join us in celebrating a life well lived and one that will continue to live through us.

Please note: The scholarship fund will be managed and distributed by Mr White’s home church, Acts Community Church (www.actscommunitychurch.com).