Ethan Joe White, a gentle giant and an epic hugger, passed away on March 15, 2024 at the age of 25.
Ethan – also known as “E” and “EJ,” – was born in Claremore on September 30, 1998, and kept his mom running to keep up with him for many years after that. After graduating from Bartlesville High School in 2017, he worked on the road as an oilfield tech for JS Machine and became a trusted and versatile presence in the machine shop at KC Welding. He enjoyed every chance to explore new corners of the country, tasting new foods and discovering unique sights.
Everyone who knew him spoke of how wonderful Ethan’s hugs were. At a height of 6’4”, he could envelop anyone in an all-encompassing embrace topped by Ethan’s dimpled smile. It was just one of his many gifts to the people he loved. He was also unceasingly patient, spending hours entertaining his niece, nephew, and cousins, and playing Wahoo with his grandmother.
Laid-back, with an easy grin, Ethan was always ready to lend a hand. You could often find him in the background, in his signature jeans, flannel, and cowboy hat, pitching in wherever needed. He was kind to everyone he met and never held onto hurt feelings.
Ethan was never happier than when riding his motorcycle. He also enjoyed hunting, archery, video games, leisurely swims in the pool, and restoring his El Camino. He was an excellent cook and liked to prepare specialties like shepherd’s pie and bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños for others. He was forever in search of the hottest hot sauce.
Ethan is survived by his beloved mother, Amanda White, his stepfather Jed Green, sister Grace Guzman, grandparents Doug and Dianne Boughner, father Danny White and stepmother Lisa White, brother Quinten Foust, sisters Kierstein Lakey and Erica White, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him fiercely.
Services will be held March 23, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. Flowers or donations may be sent to Arnold Moore & Neekamp, 710 S. Dewey Ave. Bartlesville, OK. Service will be followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bartlesville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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