John E. White, 96, a lifetime resident of Athens County, died Wednesday morning, August 22 at Hickory Creek Nursing Center.

He was born November 9, 1921 in Athens, OH, son of the late Frank Kelly White and Marie Young White.  He is a graduate of Waterloo High School, afterwards he joined The Civilian Conservation Corps, and then served in WWII in the Army Signal Corp as a Staff Sergeant from 1942-45 serving in Hawaii, Saipan, and Okinawa, Japan.

He was co-owner with his father of a taxi business in Athens, Economy Cab, for 22 years before getting his realtor license in 1966.  He opened John White Realty in Athens from 1968-1995, served as President of the Athens-Hocking Board of Realtors, served on the board of directors of The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and in semi-retirement worked for Athens Realty.

Community service was important to him supporting various civic organizations and nonprofits such as Kiwanis Club, American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and was a multi-gallon donor for the American Red Cross.  He served as chairman of the advisory board of The Salvation Army, board member of Good Works Inc., chairman of site selection for Athens County Habitat for Humanity, cofounder and treasurer of the Southeastern Ohio Food Bank, president of the board of trustees for the United Way, and was a member of the American Legion.  An avid sports fan, John enjoyed watching dirt track stock car racing, supported the band and sports programs at Athens High School, belonged to the Green and White Club and PAWS.

He was a member and elder for many years at Alexander Presbyterian Church and later worshipped at Plains United Methodist Church.  Spreading the word of God was very important to him.

Married to Doris A. Moore in 1946, together for 47 years they had three children.  He was a proud fan supporting them at all their events, performances and games over the years.  He is survived by two daughters, Lisa Ann White (Diane) of San Lorenzo, CA, Karen Beth White (Therese) of Williamston, MI, son Jeffrey Kevin (Crystal) White of Groveport, OH, granddaughter Melissa Margaret (Dan) Maccabee Logan, OH, great grandchildren Abram, Katelyn, and Carter Maccabee.  He married Jacqueline A. Richey in April, 1995 for twenty years until her death.  He is also survived by step children Lili (Chuck) Willard of Thomasville, NC, William "Rusty" (Shelby) Richey of Athens, OH, James Richey of Athens, OH, six step-grandchildren Marcy , Mike, Chris, Nick,  Rusty Ray and Jackie , seven step-great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and brother-in-law Darrell (Annie) Sams.  Besides his parents and wives, he was preceded in death by his sisters Mabel Beatrice Jacobs and Vera (Sam) Eblen and brothers Earl (Jane) White and Charles (Jane) White.

Visitation to celebrate the life of our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather is at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens, OH, Friday August 31st  from 6-8pm.  Funeral service will be conducted Saturday, September 1 ^st at 1:00 p.m. at The Plains United Methodist Church, The Plains with Rev. Dan Fuchs officiating.  Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial of his ashes will be in Alexander Cemetery with a meal to follow at The Plains United Methodist Church.  Military Rites will be conducted by K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion and VFW Post 9893 Honor Guards at the cemetery.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence, or sign the online register book at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.