Donald Eugene White, Colfax resident, passed away June 14, 2017 at The Courtyard in Colfax where he has resided for the last six years. He was 84. A private family gathering is planned and no formal services will be held. Donald was born April 19, 1933 in Pomeroy, Washington, the youngest of three children, to Sammie and Gladys Hutchens White. He moved with his family to the Green Hollow area near Colfax when he was three years old. Donald grew up on a farm along with his two older sisters, Betty and Helen. He attended Martha Washington Grade School and Colfax High School. Donald loved to box and was involved in smokers all over Whitman County and neighboring counties. He was a Golden Glove Champion in his weight class. He graduated in 1951 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served during the Korean Conflict and saw duty on the front lines in Korea as a member of the 223 infantry regiment. He also operated as commander of a jeep carrying a heavy howitzer gun. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant and returned to Colfax and farming with his father at Green Hollow. He met Cleo Dial in Colfax while she was employed at Dr. Bryant's office. They married in 1956 and had two sons; Dennis and Sammie. They moved to Palouse in 1960 and farmed in the area north of Kamiak Butte. Donald enjoyed camping with the kids and playing cards with the neighbors. Don and Cleo were later divorced. He married Donna Bogus of Palouse in 1977. They enjoyed traveling a little bit and had gone to Hawaii. Don was an avid sports fan and especially loved following the Seahawks and Cougars. He and a couple of friends attended the very first Super Bowl and watched Green Bay defeat Kansas City 35-10 in Los Angeles, California in 1967. Donald was a lifetime member of the Colfax Elks, a member of the VFW, 63 year member of the American Legion and a member of the Washington State Grange. His wife, Donna, passed away in June of 1999 and Don moved into Colfax later that summer. He is survived by his two sons; Dennis and his wife Greta White of Endicott and Sammie White of Lewiston, Idaho; 4 grandchildren; Kimberlee Price, Kyndell, Alex and Hannah White; and by his sister, Helen Feragen of Glendive, MT. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Wilson, and by his parents. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the VFW Flag Program at the Colfax Cemetery, c/o P.O. Box 739, Colfax, WA. 99111. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.