He was born December 15, 1943 in Kansas City, Kansas to Eugene C. White & Grace Mae (Ebener) White. He graduated from Pembroke Country Day School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1961. He earned a B.S. degree with distinction in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and three honor societies. He worked for Allis-Chalmers, Proctor & Gamble, Hallmark Cards, and then St. Luke’s Hospital, where he worked for over 30 years until retirement.
He married Kathleen Susan Melcher of Kansas City, and they remained in the Kansas City area throughout their marriage. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 8, 2019.
Fred was very creative. He made furniture out of wood and also made things out of metal. He bought large used power tools, fixed them up, and then sold them. As a young man he also liked buying used cars, fixing them up, and selling them. He owned many makes of cars during his life.
Fred was friendly and helpful to his friends and neighbors. He enjoyed helping people, advising them, and sharing his wisdom.
Fred leaves his wife, Kathleen White; two children, Suzanne Michelle Swain and Keith Eugene White; and two grandchildren, Zachary William Swain and Joshua Frederick Swain.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Rolling Hills COVID Relief, c/o Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, 9300 Nall Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66207; or to Harvesters at www.harvesters.org or by check payable to “Harvesters” sent to: Harvesters, 3801 Topping Ave., Kansas City, MO 64129.
A Private Graveside Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, May 11th. This will be live-streamed at: www.fb.com/MtMoriahNewcomer (see direct link below)
