Delbert "Del" White

Gentle, kind, and generous, Delbert "Del" White lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Del greeted each day as a gift and every person as a friend and never hesitated to give his gifts in service of others. He was intelligent and wise, never shied from a challenge, and enjoyed life's simple pleasures. Whether working on a project, traveling, hiking, golfing, cheering on his loved ones' endeavors, or watching TV with his beloved, Del always led with his heart. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Del will long be remembered and so very missed.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression, the power of hope undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to not just endure but thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the home of Harry and Beatrice (Burwell) White, as they welcomed their son Delbert Eugene to their hearts and home on May 4,1930 in Flint, Michigan.

Known as "Gene" during his youth, Del grew up in a family rooted in faith and family values. His father worked for Chevrolet and on the family farm, while his mother was a homemaker. When his grandparents died, Gene's father inherited their farm and worked it full-time. Gene and his siblings, Sally and Robert, worked the farm, too. In the mid-forties, the family left farming because the revenue was just enough to cover the tax bill.

Gene began his education at the local elementary schools. While a student at Flint Technical High School, Gene met his future wife, June Hart. The couple shared many interests and participated in the same school activities, such as choir, musicals, and Youth for Christ ministries. A tenor in the choir, Gene was also a cheerleader.

After graduating in 1948, Gene continued his education at General Motors Institute (GMI), where he studied industrial engineering. Two years later, on September 23, 1950, Gene and June married at Trinity United Methodist Church in Flint. After honeymooning on the shores of Lake Huron, the newlyweds lived on the farm and later in an apartment on Miller Rd before building their first home together in Flushing.

Gene helped out on the farm while continuing his studies at GMI. In 1952, he graduated with his degree in industrial engineering and accepted a job in environmental control. Professionally and later in life, Gene went by "Del." Del became a partner in a local architectural firm until he took a job with General Motors in Kansas City.

Del and June were blessed to welcome four children to their family. Dennis, Steve, Brenda, and Lori were the centers of their worlds, and they worked together to provide them with a loving, faith-centered, and supportive home. The family attended Gashland Presbyterian in Kansas City, and during these years in Missouri, Del also enjoyed attending the very first Super Bowl and watching the Kansas City Chiefs play the Green Bay Packers.

After living in Missour for ten years, the family returned to Utica, Michigan when Del was transferred to GM's central office. He retired from GM in 1992 and began working for an independent consulting firm that was hired by GM of all things. His work allowed him to travel to Germany and Russia and work for Kellogg's in Battle Creek.

Outside of work, Del enjoyed watching golf and the Detroit Tigers and Lions on TV and in person. He enjoyed music, especially the Gaither Vocal Band, and singing in church. He loved golfing anywhere and any chance he could. Special trips to Hawaii and Alaska, where they hiked the National Parks, were a special treasure to Del. He and June shared many special memories as a couple and later with their children and grandchildren at her mother's cabin overlooking Lake Superior in Copper Harbor, Michigan. Their favorite time to be there was in August when the berries were ripe. Del especially enjoyed hiking and fishing while at the cabin.

Del was skillful and could fix cars, install a new roof, and grow vegetables. One vivid memory of him putting his skills to work occurred at the cabin when Del and his son Steve decided to replace the kitchen floor. When the day came, it was 100 degrees out. Since that was the day Del decided on, despite the caustic temperature, they got to work and got it done. Years later, when his son Dennis and his wife Joanne were buying their first home, it had an attached garage but no door into the house. The realtor was doubtful a door could be added. But Joanne said, "My father and father-in-law are engineers; we are getting a door into the house." And they did.

Always willing to be of service, Del was a Boy Scout Leader. He played a role in re-instituting a Boy Scout troop in Utica, which led to his grandson Ryan getting into scouting and eventually attaining the Eagle rank. Something he shared in common with Del's sons. A longtime church member, Del attended Utica United Methodist in Utica and later North Park Baptist when they moved to Grand Rapids. He and June became involved with Bible Study Fellowship, Stephens Ministry, and a Prayer and Praise group. They sang in the church choir together and were delighted to be recognized one Sunday on June's 90th birthday. For many years, he met with his friends for Emmaus Walk, a chance for men to grow closer to God and deepen their relationships with each other.

Del cherished quiet time at home, where his favorite meal was what was in front of him. He and June would eat dinner at 4:30 and then say, "Well, we have time for the Wheel and Jeopardy now." He also enjoyed watching Hallmark movies with June. Del's sweet tooth inspired him to hide a spoon in the basement and visit the ice cream in the freezer for a few bites. His garage "projects" often involved sneaking a candy bar out of the car trunk.

In November 2020, Del shared with his kids that he needed help caring for June, and the kids began taking turns staying with them for days at a time. When more care was needed, Del and June moved to Rest Haven Home in Grand Rapids in February of 2021. After June died on December 1, 2021, Del continued to live in the comforts of the fellowship at Rest Haven.

As we celebrate Del's life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy of unwavering faith, gentle kindness, and resourcefulness forward. In each moment we choose to greet the day with faith, hope, and love, confidently face life's challenges, take a long hike, cheer on our favorite teams, indulge in a sweet treat, or enjoy time with loved ones, we keep Del's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us.

Mr. Delbert E. White, age 94, of Grand Rapids, is now experiencing new life in the presence of his Lord and Savior following his death on March 16, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife, June; son, Steve; grandson, Zach; brother, Robert (Barbara) White; and sister, Sally Sutton. Delbert is survived by his children, Dennis (Joanne) White, Brenda (Steve) Lautz, and Lori (Dan) Celmer; daughter-in-law, Sherry White; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at North Park Baptist Church, 3365 Coit Ave NE. Visitation from 10 AM until the start of the service. Contributions in his memory may be made to North Park Baptist Church Memorial Fund. Celebrate Delbert's life by sharing your favorite memory or photo on his dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com