Clifford B. White

On October 2, 2010, Clifford B. (C.B.) White, one of the "Greatest Generation", slipped the surly bonds of earth to join family and friends that departed before him. C. B., the only child of Harry and Hazel White, was born on August 20, 1920, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He lived in Amarillo, Texas, during his early years then moved to Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and attended Sand Springs High School where he, as quarterback of the football team and captain of the basketball team, led his teams to the state championship in 1937. He attended the University of Texas from 1938-1943 where he obtained a BBA degree. While there he met his future wife, Gertrude Wiederspahn, whom he married on July 12, 1943, at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, and with whom he shared 67 years of love and companionship. From 1943-1945, C.B. served his country in the Pacific theater as a Private, Corporal, and Sergeant with the 30th Bombardment Group which participated in campaigns in the Tuvalu Islands on the island of Nanomea, the Gilbert Islands on the island of Apamama, the Marshall Islands on the islands of Kwajalein and Eniwetok, and the Martanas on the islands of Saipan and Iwo Jima. After his discharge from the military, C.B. and Gertrude moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1946 where C. B. enjoyed a 36 year career with American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) at the Corpus plant. He spent 22 years as Personnel and Safety Director, 2 years as Assistant Plant Manager, and 12 years as plant manager. C.B. served his community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Texas Association of Business, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Coastal Bend, the Corpus Christi Board of Trade, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the American Heart Association, and Riverside and Pharaoh’s Country Clubs. He was also a Deacon, Elder, and Trustee for Parkway Presbyterian Church where he and Gertrude were members for 50 years. C.B. was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many years of golfing, hunting, fishing, biking, and coaching his sons' Little League baseball teams. He and Gertrude loved dancing and were members of several dance clubs and they also enjoyed golfing together with their many golfing friends in their retirement years. He was a generous, loving, and caring husband, father and friend and well liked as well as respected by all who knew him. C.B. is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gertrude N. White of Midland, Texas; children, Ronald H. White and spouse Marci M. White of Austin, Texas; Randal Dean White of Austin, Texas, and Judy White Oliver and spouse Dr. Larry Dale Oliver of Midland, Texas; 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Tuesday, at Ellis Funeral Home between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M. Funeral services have been scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Bill Billett officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. The family wishes to express their thanks to Manor Park and its many caring employees who took such great care of C.B. in both the assisted living and nursing care units. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Manor Park, Inc., 2208 N. Loop 250 W, Midland, TX 79797-6011.