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Robert White Obituary
Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Robert M. White was 85.
NASA says the record-setting test pilot who flew X-15 rocket planes in the 1960s died March 17.
His son, Greg, told the Orlando Sentinel and the Los Angeles Times that White died in his sleep in Orlando, Fla.
White flew in World War II and the Korean War before he became a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base north of Los Angeles, making 16 flights in X-15s. NASA says White was the first to fly a winged craft at Mach 4, 5 and 6.
In 1962, he flew an X-15 more than 59 miles high, earning the Air Force rating of winged astronaut.
White later flew 70 missions in Vietnam and retired in 1981.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
73 Entries
Ken Klinger
April 1, 2010
You represent the last of a breed of adventurers, pioneers and patriots. I suppose you have to turn in your "winged astronaut" rating for a new rating of "angel winged".
April 1, 2010
Thanks for the dreams you helped give me as a child.
Kenneth Jaffee
April 1, 2010
My condolences to the family but I envy you this latest adventure.
April 1, 2010
For Robert...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
How you can show support
KEVIN H. FLAHERTY
April 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
KEVIN H. FLAHERTY
April 1, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 1, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
April 1, 2010
Thank You for your courage in flight safety that many take for granted.Your duty to your country during war and test safety issues with planes as a test pilot truly admirable. God Speed to the Heaven's gate and beyond.
H.J. Lejeune
April 1, 2010
Thank You for your courage in flight safety that many take for granted.Your duty to your country during war and test safety issues with planes as a test pilot truly admirable. God Speed to the Heaven's gate and beyond.
Robert Deverson
March 31, 2010
You are an American hero. May almighty God shine upon you for eternity. Thank you for your loyal service to this great nation.
Todd Harvey
March 30, 2010
This is a man who truley had the right stuff! We all thank you for everything you did!
Lynn Jex
March 30, 2010
Thanks to you and your family for advancing the technology of freedom. Now you soar on the wings of freedom from earth and in the presence of the almighty.
Nick Vitanis
March 30, 2010
Nick Vitanis & family, Mary Vicari, express their deepest condolences on the passing of a very great friend and individual. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
David Hill
March 30, 2010
what A brave man god bless his soul.David and Maria myrtle beach.
Roger Moncrief
March 29, 2010
I met General White when he was the base commander at Edwards AFB. I was an 8th grader whose best friend was in love with his daughter Pam. We used to go over to play basketball and he came home early one day. As NCO kids we were terrified, but General White was so nice to us that we felt like we were on top of the world. I was already a huge aviation buff and knew all of his X-15 exploits, but to finally meet the man is still a day that I will never forget. My sympathies to the White family, especially Pam. There are a lot of your old friends from Desert on facebook. We would love to talk to you.
March 29, 2010
For Robert...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Donnie Busby
March 29, 2010
What a man.
Donna Kiser
March 29, 2010
Our family's condolences go out to Mr. Culp's family & friends.
Paul G. Dover Sr
March 29, 2010
My Father was stationed at Edwards AFB when the movie X-15 was made. I admire all military people for their service to the country. Thank you Mr. White. Time to rest now may God bless you and your family.
Victoria VZj
March 29, 2010
Thank you
You are a true
American Hero..
Condolences to
his family~
~RIP ROBERT WHITE~
Anne
March 29, 2010
That was the day of HEROes! May he rest in peace and his family be at peace.
alan wells
March 29, 2010
Thank you!
Steve
March 28, 2010
A very brave man who contributed much to aeronautical knowledge. RIP.
Jim
March 28, 2010
Godspeed to an American hero. RIP.
Jim Sekich
March 28, 2010
A lot of people esp. this younger generation do not realize what Robert White and the rest of the "right stuff" pilots accomplished but it is sitting right in front of there faces. Because of his courage and devotion to this great nation, our technology would never have been where it is now. Thanks Robert White, you are flying high now my friend.
Steven Phipps
March 28, 2010
We as Americans are safer because of you and other great American serviceman and women.
I will Pray for your family and our country. God Bless You and yours
terence wood
March 28, 2010
i have a signed photo of robert white in my study hear in England.he always replied to request for autograps from aviation buffs.
A GALLANT AMERICAN GENTLEMEN AVIATOR.
Mike
March 27, 2010
An American hero. Thank you...
March 27, 2010
For Robert...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
John Downey
March 27, 2010
Thank you and your family for all of your sacrifices,in service for our nation. We are a stronger country because of you and yours! Off we go into the wild blue yonder. RIP
George Clodfelter
March 27, 2010
They don't make them like Gen. White anymore. We as a nation were blessed to have a man like him. God speed General.
George Clodferlter
March 27, 2010
They don't make them like Gen. White anymore. We as a nation were blessed to have a man like him. God speed General.
Russell Berry
March 27, 2010
Thank you General White, you made our nation very proud. May God grant comfort to your loved ones. The Berry family offers it's condolences to your family and friends.
George Lewis
March 26, 2010
Thank you for your service to our country.
Larry Stone
March 26, 2010
I had the privilege of working in the Control Tower during several of General White's X-15 missions. I was
always in awe of the fortitude it took for him to head off into the fringes of space..what a pioneer he was. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. - Larry C. Stone St. Louis, Missouri
SAM Wilkins
March 26, 2010
I admire Robert White for so many service flights to Viet Nam.
LTC Michael Drumm, Sr.
March 26, 2010
I had the great priviledge of meeting then Capt. White when I was a teenager and my Dad was assigned to the Flight Test Center. What a tremendous example and personal hero he and my Dad were to me. I still have and aurographed photo from then Capt. White standing in front of an X-15. He certainly helped inspire my military and flying career. God Bless your, sir.
KEN & MARY O'DANIEL
March 26, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE WHITE FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. WHITE.
Robert & Sharon Southard
March 26, 2010
Our condolences to the family and friends of General White,thankyou for your service to our nation,you made it stronger,rest in peace...
Rich Light
March 25, 2010
Bob
RIP and thank you for your service.
BATTAGLIA BROTHERS
March 25, 2010
THANK YOU GENERAL FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DUTY. GODSPEED
March 25, 2010
As a neighbor at OLT I would love to have known him longer. He surely was a
glory to God. The Rev. Gloria E. Wheeler #411
March 25, 2010
A true american hero. Paul Sayers , Fort Myers Fl. If only there were more like him.
Alvin Press
March 25, 2010
Well i was just little guy in the air force working on B57 at Stewart Air Force Base at Newburgh NY in sixties but i just like to say you had long life and now you could RIP
Mike DeMasi
March 25, 2010
Rest in peace Gen. White for you have given me and all americans freedom.
I may be to young to have known you but, I would just like to say, THANK YOU!
God Bless you and your family.
Anthony Santos
March 25, 2010
What a giant in the world of aviation you were. You never received the recognition that you deserved unlike Chuck Yeager. As a former airman and retired corporate pilot, I salute you. Rest in peace Bob.
March 25, 2010
For Robert...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
March 25, 2010
REST IN PEACE
March 25, 2010
Our family knew Bob and Doris White when we were all at Edwards AFB back in the 1960's...we were neighbors down the street...Bob and Dad were members of SETP. We send our heartfelt sympathies to his children and families. The family of Ken (Col.ret.) and Maxine Lewis (
louis carwell
March 25, 2010
Thanks Gen. White for your service to this Country.You are truly one of this country's unsung Heroes.Rest in peace and The Lord be with you and your family always.
Stephanie Pappas
March 25, 2010
I knew Gen. White when I was stationed in Germany in the Air Force during the late 1970's. He was a really nice and friendly person. He had an incredible career. His death is truly a loss.
Pedro Carabajal
March 25, 2010
I was at Edwards when the General was flying the X-15 as a Hyd. Mech. with the 6515 FMS. I used to work on the B-52's who carried the X-15, I remember him well. God Bless General.
Pete Carabajal USAF 1960-1964 (AIC)
Trip Trepagnier
March 25, 2010
Gen. White was a true aviation & space pioneer. His contribution to the world will be a lasting tribute to his memory.
Rest In Peace
March 25, 2010
What a life! Thank you for evereything and thanks go out to his family for their support of him. Rest well, General.
Jerald Reed
March 25, 2010
Great, Great, Man. Thanks for your service.
J .Reed, Brookeville Md.
Vince Wuwert
March 25, 2010
A great American. Fearless. And my brother in service for his country. Rest in Peace my brother airman. And deepest sympathy to his family.
USAF Veteran 65-69.
John Richelderfer
March 25, 2010
Thank you Robert!In This world gone wild, you stood out in a world that dared us to dream.I am sorry if we let you down!God bless you all who feel his loss,I know I do.
Christopher Stang
March 25, 2010
Thank you. The Stang Family.
Peggy Morisen
March 24, 2010
Thank you for an outstanding job well done.
P. Morisen
Lupe Farfan
March 24, 2010
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
STEVEN TASSLER
March 24, 2010
THANK-YOU FOR ALL HAVE DONE IN YOUR LIFE FOR YOUR COUNTRY AND US ALL. REST IN PEASE GENERAL...
March 24, 2010
He was my inspiration to fly, fight, and serve. He was a hero to more young men than you'll ever know.
Robert C White, LTC, USAF, Ret.
The Reichert family
March 24, 2010
Thank you
R Golay
March 24, 2010
To the the family of Robert White - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Robert will be missed by many.
R Malm
March 24, 2010
Thank you for your service, sir...
... may winged Angels sing thee to thy rest ...
March 24, 2010
I think Bob White flew P-51s with the famed 355th Fighter Group, out of Steeple Morden, England and was shot down and became a POW, if my memory serves me. Bless you Bob, they don't come around like you very often.
Bob Garlich, 355th Ftr. Grp. WW2
Margaret Tardo
March 24, 2010
My prayers and sympathies go out to the family of Robert White, a hero who is now in Heaven flying with all of his family and friends. God Bless the family.
Mary
March 24, 2010
flying with the Angels
Darrell Cook
March 24, 2010
Wow what a great pilot Robert was, he almost touched the face of God flying that X-15. Now you made your final journey May you rest in peace with God
Cindy
March 24, 2010
Thanks for all you did for this country. RIP with our Lord .
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