John Michael White

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University of Texas

FUNERAL HOME

Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home

9700 Anderson Mill Road

Austin, Texas

John White Obituary

John Michael White "Man of God & Science" John Michael "Mike" White died Friday, August 31, 2007 from a sudden heart attack. Mike was born Nov. 26, 1938 to John and Frances White, in Danville, IL. He is survived by Gwen, wife of 47 years; son, Mark and wife Melissa of Houston; daughter, RaeAnne Landrum and husband Todd of Frisco; son, Paul of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Melody and Carter Landrum; mother, Frances; brothers Ben and Andy; and sisters Mary White and Ruth Siddens. Known to the scientific community as "Dr. White", Mike worked for the University of Texas for 41 years as a well-loved chemistry professor, served as the Chairman of the Chemistry Dept. and Director of the Science & Technology Center. He also spent time researching for the Fritz- Haber Institute in Berlin, Germany and most recently for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA directing the Institute for Interfacial Catalysis. Mike was a long-time member of the Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, where he served as an elder for many years. He enjoyed biking, jogging and photography. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and encouraging others. This great man touched many lives and he will be sorely missed. Visitation will be Thursday, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills. A celebration of Mike's life will be held Friday, 10:00 a.m. at the Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Austin Graduate School of Theology, 1909 University Ave., Austin, TX 78705.. http://www.mem.com

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Sep. 6, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John White

6 Entries

Tom Ferguson

September 26, 2007

Heartfelt condolences to Mike's family. I knew Mike as a young boy. He was 4 years older than me and just a wonderful role model. I remember him as cheerful, a hard-working farmer and a very intelligent person. My mother, Irene, asked me to send her condolences also. Irene and Frances have been friends for 65 years that I know of, and our families were very close when we kids were growing up. We are truly saddened by Mike's passing, and we would just hope that a measure of the essence of his goodness will remain with all of the people he touched in this life.

Hazel Templeton

September 14, 2007

Gwen,I just found out yesterday about Mike. I want to offer my deepest sympathy. I have fond memories of the times we spent together when we were neighbors and new parents. We didn't have much money, but we still had a good time. May God bless you and your family.

John Mainey

September 9, 2007

I found out last night from my daughter Chrissy that Mike had died suddenly from a heart attack. Mike was a wonderful neighbor who shared a common bond of love for sports and our kids.We both loved watching Paul and Chuck play basketball over the years. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gwen, Paul, and the rest of the White family.

Karla Smith

September 7, 2007

Mike was someone that from the very first moment that you met him, you knew that you were safe and loved. Mike always had a wonderful smile and warm hug for me and my children. He was a loving and kind man that remembered the smallest of details about you that made you feel special. I remember his first Thanksgiving in Richland where he conned my daughter Cherie into playing her bassoon in front of everyone at dinner. If she played, then he would sing us a train song. His beautiful voice filled my mom's home and created a wonderful holiday filled with warm memories and blessings of being able to spend the day with friends and family.

Gwen, my heart breaks for you and I pray that our loving Father will embrace you, comfort you, provide you strength, and allow your sorrow to be filled with all of the love that Mike has for you and the precious memories of your life together.

Terry Law

September 6, 2007

Mike was an inspiration to me from the first moment I met him. He had a youthful exuberance that belied the gray hairs on his head and a goofy grin that showcased his quirky sense of humor. He was the embodiment of the term "joie de vivre". His name will forever evoke memories of singing solos of train songs for the Interfacial Chemistry and Engineering group at PNNL and for my family over a Thanksgiving meal (his first year in Richland), of his ongoing coaxing for my son Cameron to switch his major to chemical engineering, and of his gentle reminders to me that teens DO eventually grow out of this stage.

My heart goes out to you, Gwen, and your family at this time of extreme sadness for those of us left behind on this earth.

Nicole White (Chittenden)

September 6, 2007

I got my MA in Dr. White's group in '94, then worked in his offices for several years. He was a man of incredible integrity and faith. He taught me that science was not exclusive of faith, but in fact a subset of it. Regularly on his way out of the office, he would say goodnight and stick a post-it note on my desk with a scripture reference, which I knew was my cue to look it up to quote for him the next day! He was a great man.

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