Donald D. White

Donald D White, a devoted servant of God, proud veteran of the Air Force and devoted husband and father, went to be with the Lord on December 28th, 2025.

Donald was born in Foster Falls, VA and grew up on the family farm in Max Meadows VA. He, along with his father, Vivian Early White and his mother, Mae Elizabeth (Sutphin) White, and his siblings lived off the land by raising livestock, gardening, chopping wood, hunting, fishing and always praising God for His mercy and provision.

Donald was active in sports and organizations in High School and especially loved baseball. After graduation he followed his older brother, Ed, into the Air Force. He didn't care for the seasickness as the transport ship carried him to Japan, but he told interesting stories of being stationed in Japan and said he enjoyed serving and he kept in touch with his Air Force buddies.

Donald moved to Cleveland after his discharge where he met his future wife, Ethel "Eddie" Duchon. They married and lived in Shaker Heights, then moved to Willowick. Eventually they moved to Kirtland where he spent most of the last 50 years. Together they made a loving home and enjoyed throwing the occasional neighborhood hootenanny. Everyone enjoyed their parties.

He loved his job working for General Electric's lamp division working in a lab as a metallurgical engineer. He was skilled at his work and some of his findings were published in a scientific journal. He spoke of receiving phone calls from engineers in Germany with questions about the techniques described in the article.

Donald was the Cub Master of his son's Cub Scout troop, spent hours helping to build Pinewood Derby cars and attending little league games. He was a Junior Achievement volunteer, was active in Kirtland's city government, Kirtland Kiwanas, VFW# 3325 and Kirtland's Divine Word church, where he served in the Holy Name Society, as a Eucharistic Minister and an usher. He greatly treasured his golf outings and after-church breakfasts with his Divine Word friends, who he loved as dearly as family.

Donald is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ethel "Eddie" (Dushon) White (+2004); parents, Vivian E. and Mae (Sutphin) White; and siblings, Ed White, Christine Viars, Rosa Lee Reynolds (his twin sister), and Michael White.

He is survived by his children, Judy (Zack) Swindell, Jeff (Diane) White; his grandchildren, Christie (Robert) Reynolds, JJ White, Dr. Elisha (Dr. Eric) Barbato and Erin (Richard) Shimek. Donald has 2 great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. He lived a full, happy and accomplished life and will be greatly missed.

Family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at Divine Word Church, 8100 Eagle Rd., Kirtland. Fr. Dave Woost officiating. Burial to follow at S. Kirtland Cemetery in Kirtland.

To leave condolences for the family or to order flowers, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.