Louis P. "Lou" White PhD

Louis "Lou" P. White was born on March 18, 1941, in the Appalachian Mountains of Ironton, Ohio, twelfth of thirteen children. His father passed away when Lou was only seven and his mother passed when he was twelve. From that point on, he was passed between older siblings, often feeling unwanted and uncared for. But even then, God's hand was on his life…guiding, protecting and preparing him for a future only He could see.

Everyone called him "Luke" growing up, and he didn't even know his real name was Louis until he enlisted in the United States Air Force at just 16 years old (not quite 17). Lou often said it was God and the Air Force that saved him. During his service, he completed his GED, discovered discipline and found direction and purpose.

Lou was stationed in San Antonio, Amarillo, Guam, Florida, Mississippi and Taiwan. During his time in Taiwan, he developed a lifelong love for the Mandarin language and the people. That experience would influence the rest of his life and career. While stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Lou met Linda Rocco, who would become his wife. They were later stationed in Columbus, Mississippi, where they welcomed their son, Matt.

Lou and Matt settled in Clear Lake, Texas, where he became a professor at University of Houston–Clear Lake. For over 40 years, he taught business courses and inspired generations of students. Known for his humor, dedication, and compassion, Lou was that professor everyone remembered and that single dad who showed up to every practice, game, and event. Matt's friends and countless students were drawn to his warmth, wisdom, and quick wit.

His love for Taiwan never faded. Throughout his teaching career, Lou led study-abroad groups of students to Taiwan for semester-long programs and often returned to teach for a semester or a year at a time. He loved the people, the culture and the language deeply and continued studying Mandarin throughout his life. Lou lived a rich, full life …Air Force veteran, single dad, professor, marathon runner, banjo player, and a man who loved his family deeply. He loved Matt, Amy(DIL) no and his 3 grandchildren, Elle Leak and husband Cameron Leak (bonus grandson), Harrison White and Sophie White! Lou treasured them with all his heart!

Since the birth of his first granddaughter, Elle, in 1998, Lou had been affectionately known as "Papapoo", a name that began when Elle couldn't quite say "Papa Lou." So "Papapoo" he became! Though he was a little embarrassed by it at first, he grew to love it and wore it with pride. His grandkids were the apples of his eye and he delighted in cheering them on, sharing stories, and bragging about them to anyone who'd listen.

About eight years ago, Lou moved from Clear Lake to Houston to be closer to his kids and for the past four years, he lived with them in his " bungalow in the back' , as he liked to call it…a gift that will be treasured forever.

Lou never stopped learning or growing in faith. He continued studying Mandarin, deepened his understanding of Scripture, and cherished worshiping and talking about the things of God. Watching his faith grow and his love for Jesus deepen over the years has been one of the greatest blessings to our family.

While his health in 2025 was detonating, he really declined this summer. His family were seeking God's guidance for how to help him through the tough summer. The early morning of October 10, 2025, God decided. His timing is always perfect and they thank Him for His mercy, His peace, and His presence through it all!

Please continue to lift up Matt and family as they walk through both the sorrow and the gratitude.

We celebrate Lou's life, his strength, his humor, his faith and the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

"Well done, good and faithful servant…your race is won".

Thank You, Jesus, for being in all of it.