Donald White Obituary
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April 14, 1949 – October 30, 2025
Donald White Jr. was born on April 14, 1949, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, the only child of Esther Singer and Donald White Sr. At age seven, he and his parents relocated to Bakersfield, California, where he spent the remainder of his childhood.
In 1970, Donald answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Navy as a SeaBee Engineer. He completed multiple tours in Vietnam and Hawaii, demonstrating resilience and skill in the face of war. He was medically retired in the early 1970s, carrying both the visible and invisible marks of service.
Following his military career, Donald pursued higher education in San Diego, California. In 1979, he graduated with a degree in Sports Medicine and served as an Assistant Sports Trainer at San Diego City College-both during his studies and in the years that followed.
On October 22, 1976, he married the late Maria Ventura Ortiz, with whom he shared a quiet but enduring love. Donald is survived by his devoted daughter, Jasmine Augustina Peña-White; his grandchildren, Abigail Peña and Dominic Peña; and his son-in-law, Ret. CPT. Orlando Peña. They reside in Boerne, Texas.
Donald was a lone wolf with a kind spirit and a determined heart. A true jack-of-all-trades, he was known for his independence, ingenuity, and sprightly nature. He found joy in tinkering in the garage, restoring vintage cars, and immersing himself in meticulous hobbies like model train sets. He was also a man of quiet faith, grounding his beliefs in the mercy of the Lord-a source of solace after the trials of war and the toll it took on his mind.
Though he spoke few words, Donald's actions spoke volumes. He was a patriot who sought peace in the serene backcountry of Oregon, where he spent several years in rehabilitation and reflection. His legacy lives on in the strength, love, and perseverance of his family.
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