Eugene Fredrick White

Eugene Fredrick White passed away on January 16, 2025, in Bakersfield, CA, a place he called home for over 60 years. His wife of 63 years, Mary Margaret White, preceded him in death on December 8th, 2020. They were surrounded by their children at the time of their deaths. Eugene was born August 8, 1932, in Strathmore, CA to Sibley and Ann Grasseschi White. Mary was born August 15, 1935, in Dinuba to Lester and Ramona Helling Drew.
Eugene grew up farming with his dad and uncle in Dinuba and Tulare, CA. He graduated from Dinuba High School and College of the Sequoias. He attended one year at San Jose State University before being drafted into the Army 6th Infantry Division as part of the occupation forces in Germany.
Mary graduated from Dinuba High School and Reedley College. She graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy from St. Louis University, Missouri and went to work for Exeter Hospital in California.
They were married on January 4, 1958, at St. Catherine's in Dinuba.
Eugene went back to college at Fresno State University to finish his degree in Microbiology and moved to Bakersfield with Mary in 1960 where he worked for Kern Medical Center and for Kern County Public Health as the lead microbiologist, a profession spanning 35 years.
Mary returned to work after all the children were in school and was a Physical Therapist for Crippled Children's Society, San Joaquin Hospital and then Home Health.
After retirement they enjoyed tennis, golf, traveling and visiting family and friends. They always found a deep sense of purpose and joy in volunteering for the church. Eugene was a Knight of Columbus and Mary a Carmelite. They frequently attended daily Mass and Adoration.
Eugene and Mary had 8 children, Fred and Christina, preceded them in death. They are survived by 6 children and their spouses. Anna Marie & Jeff Niccoli, Therese & Jim Leiszler, Margaret & Bob Christie, Joe & Renee White, Angela & Kenny Kells and Andrew White. They are missed by their grandchildren: Jason Brown, Jason, Kristin, & Joseph Niccoli, Zachary Leiszler, Delaney McCormick, Daphne Foster, Rachel & Abigail White & great grandchildren: Jacey & Wyatt Brown, Kainoa, Emmeryn, & Nalani Niccoli.
Visitation will be at Christ the King Church on Thursday, Jan 30, 2025, from 4-6pm and Rosary at 6pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday Jan 31, 2025, at 10am at Christ the King Church, followed by burial ceremony at Greenlawn Mortuary then a reception at Christ the King Church Hall.