Robert "Bob" W. White

Robert (Bob) Walton White passed away Thursday morning, December 3, 2015 in Yakima, Washington due to complications of lung cancer. Bob was born in Toppenish, Washington on August 30, 1930 along with twin sister Roberta Leah to Robert E. and Verle (McClellan) White.

As a young boy, Bob relocated with his family to a home near the Yakima airport. Bob spent his early years walking (uphill both ways) to Nob Hill School and darting across the airport runway to fish at Wide Hollow Creek. After attending Yakima High School (now Davis High School) and learning how to box at the YMCA, Bob joined the Navy on a one-year peace time Selective Service program. He sailed aboard the USS Muliphen to the South Pacific during which his primary duties were the care and upkeep of the captain’s boat. After being honorably discharged in 1950, Bob purchased his first car, a yellow 1941 Ford convertible. He started working as a truck driver, following in his father’s footsteps as a member of the Teamsters Union.

In 1954, while working at the Bell Wyman Used Car Lot, Bob met Louise Schuller who was working across the street at the Bolt Truck Company and Service Station. They were married 2 years later in November 1956 and were blessed with two children: a daughter, Debra (deceased 2002), and son Larry. In 1963 they built a home in Tampico and lived there for 43 years before moving back to Yakima. Bob enjoyed the country life: fishing, hunting, raising chickens and cows, and horseback riding with his kids. As a young family in the 1960s and 1970s, Bob along with Louise and the kids spent many weekends camping, fishing and horseback riding at Conrad Meadows, northwest of Tampico.

In 1988, Bob took an early retirement from Associated Grocers after 26 years to provide care and support for his daughter who battled Multiple Sclerosis. After Louise retired, they were rarely seen apart. Whether they were running errands in town or travelling throughout the Northwest in their Winnebago with the Apple Rovers motorhome club, they were always together. Bob attended the Yakima Christian and Missionary Alliance Church where he became a member and was baptized in 2002. Bob enjoyed Mr. Goodbars, watching old western films, and rooting for the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks. His proudest moments were the births of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and being able to provide faithfully for his family throughout the years.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Debra, grandson Robby, sister Beverly, twin sister Roberta, brothers Harry and Don. He is survived by his wife Louise of 59 years, son Larry (Teresa) White, son-in-law Virgil Anders, grandchildren Crissie (Daniel) Eells, Chad (Sarah) Anders, Rachel White, Nicholas White and great grandchildren Claire and Simon Eells and Coral Anders, and a brother, Glenn (Jean) White.

A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be Thursday, December 10th at 11:00 am at the Yakima Alliance Church, 902 S. 36th Ave Yakima, Wa.