Donald Wayne White

Donald Wayne White was born in Rusk, Texas, on June 16, 1937, and grew up surrounded by parents, grandparents and several aunts and uncles of whom he was fond. His parents, Clyde and Bunella White, had two sons, Don and younger brother, Dennis. Don had a great reputation for being a hard worker and worked a part-time job before he was in high school. He was in the band and played football and had many numerous close friends including James I. Perkins, Citizens 1st Bank President, Bubba Jared, Seguine Bolton and his high school classmates. He was a proud member of the Rusk High School Senior Class of 1955. The class motto, “Friends Forever,” was lived out in earnest. He enjoyed regular lunches with the class of ‘55. Their support and admiration for one another more than 68 years later is inspiring.

After high school, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as an aircraft mechanic. His time stationed at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico was the only time he lived outside of Texas. He was proud to serve his country.

While home on leave, he was introduced to the love of his life, Anna Carol Williams, a student at the University of Texas. Don and Carol married in June 1961 in Carol’s hometown of Athens, Texas. His love and devotion to Carol never wavered in their 62 years together.

Don graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from East Texas State College. Not long after, he started a job with State Farm where he built a career that spanned decades. For much of that time and until his retirement he served as Claims Superintendent, East Texas Region, based in Texarkana where he and Carol raised their two daughters, Jayna and Deena.

Don is survived by his wife, Anna Carol Williams White; Daughters, Jayna Scott and husband Kevin; Deena McAllister and husband Kenneth; four grandchildren: Meredith Hayes and husband Derrick; Tyler Henry and wife Cassie; Cole McAllister and Kendall McAllister; one great-grandson, Jackson Hayes, and a brother, Dennis White.