Leslie L. White

Oct. 5, 1934-Feb. 7, 2005

HAIGLER -- Leslie L. White, 70, of Haigler, died Monday (Feb. 7, 2005) at the Wray District Community Hospital in Wray, Colo.

He was born Oct. 5, 1934, to Herman and Lillie (Dixon) White on his family's farm south of Haigler in Cheyenne County, Kan. He grew up on the farm and attended country school near his home. He was a graduate of Haigler High School.

After high school, he worked with his father on the farm until 1955, when he joined the U.S. Coast Guard as a machinist. He received his military training at the Great Lakes Coast Guard Training Center and was stationed at Sand Island, Hawaii. He later transferred to Galveston Island, Texas and then Miami, Fla. He received his honorable discharge in 1959.

In 1960, he married Rae Wheaton in Benkelman. Together they made their home in Haigler where they farmed.

In 1963, he obtained his private pilots license. He also drove an activity bus for school events, including senior sneak.

He was a Charter member of the Wray Elks Lodge and the Nebraska American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Lillie White; mother-in-law, Eleanor Muse; brother-in-law, Tom Wheaton; and sister-in-law, Dorothy White.

Survivors include his wife, Rae White of Haigler; children, Kris Jardine and husband, Dave, Shellie Lare and husband, Brad, Jerry White and wife, Jackie and Sherrie Roach; twelve grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were today, 2:30 p.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Rev. Chris Farmer officiating. Interment with military honors was at the Haigler Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.