Donald J. White Sr. 83 passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at home on Saturday February 28th surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Orleans and grew up in various exciting places because his father was a civil engineer.
Don joined the Navy at 17 turned down Officer Candidate School and served in the Atlantic and Pacific. In the Atlantic theater Don was assigned to Higgins' boats and volunteered for many shallow water mine sweeping operations.
Don attended the University of Alabama after World War II and later transferred to New York City where he completed a degree in civil engineering as his father before him. He met and married his loving wife of 58 years Elaine. Together they moved to Daytona Beach in 1952 and started their family. For many years Don was active in a Daytona Beach barbershop quartet and the Knights of Columbus. He was also past president of the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association. Don worked with his father in Frank E. White Construction until 1957 when his love of plants led him and his parents to establish White Acres Nursery Inc. The business continued to be operated by Don and other family members until he retired in 2006.
Mr. White was preceded in death by his parents Francis Edward White Jr. and Teresa Willis White and his brother Edward Robertson White. Those who survive include his wife Elaine S. White and his six children: Donald Joseph Jr. (Linda); Kathleen Linton (Chris); Deborah White Miller (Gary); Teresa White Auch (Michael); Kevin (Christina); and Kelly (Wendy) eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In addition Mr. White leaves behind two brothers Kenneth (Adele) White and Dr. Charles (Helena) White; a sister-in-law Kathy (Edward) and a brother-in-law Jerry (Myrna) Saraydar as well as countless nieces nephews and cousins.
Visitation will beThursday Mar 5th 6 - 8 PM Lohman Funeral Home 1423 Bellevue Ave Daytona Beach. A funeral mass will take place Mar 6th 1:30 P.M. at the Basilica of St. Paul Daytona Beach where Mr. White was a member for 57 years.