Richard Don White Sr.

Richard Don White, Sr., 80, of Midland was called home on March 18, 2023, at Midland Memorial Hospital.  Visitation will be at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2023.  Funeral service will begin 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory.  Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Richard Don White, Sr., was born on June 21, 1942, in Midland, Texas, to Thomas Dee White, Sr., and Rachel Louise (Long) White.  After graduating from Midland High School, he served in the Army beginning in 1960, for three years of active duty, followed by three years in the reserves.   He married Kathryn (Kathy) Sue Wilhoit in Benbrook, Texas, on November 20, 1962.  They had three children, Richard Don White, Jr., Russell Dale White, and Crystal Renee White Simpson.

During their marriage, the family lived in Lawton, Oklahoma; Benbrook, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; River Oaks, Texas; Harker Heights, Texas; El Paso, Texas; and Midland, Texas. During his work career, Richard worked for General Dynamics and Global Universal Sciences where he worked on the Apollo program, seismic technology, and had technical patents. Upon returning to Midland, he owned and operated a gas station in Midland, Tx. He also formed his own company, Rich Enterprises, Inc., where he provided oilfield operations and maintenance services and aviation services.

An innovator and inventor, Richard also had a lifelong love of flying, obtaining his pilot’s license at a young age and owned several small planes during his lifetime.  He also loved travel throughout the US and especially camping in Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Richard is preceded in death by Kathy, his wife of 53 years, his parents, his brother, Thomas Dee White, Jr., his brother in law Ken Dawson, and sister-in-law Kay White.

Richard is survived by his children, Richard Jr. and his wife, Lisa, of Tomball, Texas, Russell and his wife, Betsy (Elizabeth), of Midland, and Crystal and her husband, Les (Lesley) Simpson, of Round Rock, Texas; his grandchildren, Katie Ryle, Kristin Ryle, Aaron White, Elijah White, and Dashiell Simpson; his siblings, Fannie Mae Dawson, Doris Williams and husband, Bob, and James White; brother-in-law, Johnny Mack Wilhoit and wife, Terri; sister-in-law, Trenna White; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his partner for the last years of his life, Jean Morrow.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards the entire staff of Midland Memorial Hospital, especially the 8^th floor care team, Hospice of Midland, and Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or the American Lung Association

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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