Gene Arthur White

Gene Arthur White, 90, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at his residence in Franklin, IN.

He was born on December 11, 1935 in Milan, IN to Horace L. and Genevieve (Ridenour) White. The oldest of four children, he came from a humble, hard-working family. He married Grace Anita Womack on August 31, 1957, who lovingly survives. Other survivors include his daughters Pamela Green (Bruce), Paula Taggert (Bruce); and son William B. (Tonya) White. In their retirement Gene and Anita traveled, enjoyed their family and friends, and actively followed the activities of their 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in passing by his parents, and sister Linda Baurley.

He was the starting center on the Milan 1954 High School State Basketball Championship team; him and his teammates enjoyed this notoriety for the remainder of their lives. He graduated from Milan High School that same year.

Gene was the first in his family to attend college, went to Franklin College, and received his Bachelor degree in math and Masters in Education from Indiana University.

He was drafted into the army in 1958 and was stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He served in the Signal Corp, worked in research and development, and helped in the development of the atomic clock and satellite technology.

While he never intended to be a teacher, a job offer from the Milan School Corporation in 1960 led to a 38-year career as a math and physics teacher. During his teaching career, he taught at Milan, Batesville and Franklin High Schools. He also taught part time at Franklin College impacting hundreds of students.

Besides being a teacher, Gene coached high school basketball for the Milan boys' team from 1983 to 1985. He also coached girls' basketball at Franklin High School from 1985 to 1987. He became the women's basketball coach at Franklin College from 1988 to 1995 and again from 1999 to 2002. These roles allowed him to shape and influence scores of young men and women.

He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame with the Milan 1954 State Championship team in 2004, and as an individual in 2024. He also was recognized by Franklin College's Hall of Fame for his leadership and participation on the baseball team.

He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash from the state of Indiana twice during his lifetime.

Gene was a member of the Franklin American Legion, and a member of Elks Lodge 1818.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home in Franklin, IN is handling arrangements. Please make memorials to the Milan 1954 Museum.