Call Now – Spanish Fork: (801) 798-2169 | Payson: (801) 465-3846 – Available 24/7

Gilbert White Jr August 8, 1930 - February 11, 2021

Gilbert White Jr., a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021, in Springville, Utah. Gilbert was born August 8, 1930 in Goshen, Utah to Gilbert White Sr. and Olea Gem Keith at his paternal grandparents home and grew up with his sister, Betty Jean. His quiet personality, with a little teasing, endeared him to his family. He influenced many for good.

Some of Gilbert’s earliest memories came from nature where his parents taught him to hunt, fish, and love the outdoors. Nothing rejuvenated him more than a hike in the mountains; these moments helped develop his spiritual mature. He also kept a meticulous garden and orchard.

Gilbert met his sweetheart Maxine Farr-a sixth grader- when her family moved to Payson to run a family dairy. He courted Maxine until she graduated from high school. When they became engaged. Shortly afterwards, the Korean War broke out and Gilbert’s National Guard unit was deployed. Their entire wedding was planned in just a few days while Gilbert was on leave. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on January 8, 1951. Their first child, Dru, was born a few days before Gilbert returned to the US from Korea. He was employed at Geneva Steel Pipe Mill as a metallurgist. He loved his family and responsibly provided for them.

Gilbert and Maxine’s first home was a small converted garage. Soon Rhett and then Wyn joined the family. As the family outgrew their first home, they found a rundown property on Utah Avenue in Payson just before twins Codi and Calli were born.  Together Gilbert and Maxine went to work transforming the property into their beautiful home where family has gathered for well over 60 years. Gilbert labored, by the sweat of his brow, to remove numerous trees, stumps, chicken coops, out buildings, weeds and debris as well as pouring concrete and landscaping. Their work was rewarding. As this transformation happened, Wayd and then Shae joined the family.

Gilbert spent all of his years in Payson in the Payson First Wars. He served as clerk, young men’s president, elder’s quorum president, home teacher, bishop, high counselor, patriarch, and temple ordinance worker. He was refined over his lifetime through trial he experienced. Gilbert’s life was protected and preserved many times. His example of faith, hope, charity, love of God, knowledge, kindness, meekness, humility, patience, virtue, and enduring to the end continues to bless his posterity.

Gilbert is preceded in death by Maxine, wife; Gilbert While Sr and Olea Gem Keith, parents; Betty Jean White Hill, sister; Georgette Hinano Bremond White, daughter-in-law; Stephen Allan Hales, son-in-law; Spencer Stephen Hales, grandson; Juliette Olea Mathis, great-granddaughter; grandparents and extended family members.

He is survived by his children: Dru Gilbert White (Maeva), Salt Lake City, Utah; Rhett F. White (Carrie), Washington, Utah; Wyn Howden (John), Payson, Utah; Codi F. White (Wanda), Maeser, Utah; Calli Hales, Provo, Utah; Wayd F. White (Vicki), St. George, Utah; Shae Clark (Kevin), Elk Ridge, Utah; 68 grandchildren; 83 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews and extended family.

We express our love and gratitude to the staff at Ashford and First Choice Hospice.

A viewing will be held at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah, on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Graveside services including the dedication of the grave and interment at Payson City Cemetery for the family will follow the viewing at Walker Funeral Home.

Share Now

Viewing

Saturday, February 20, 2021
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Walker Funeral Home
587 South 100 West
Payson, Utah
Map

Graveside Service

Saturday, February 20, 2021
12:30 p.m.
Payson City Cemetery
400 North 800 East
Payson, Utah
Map

Condolences(4)

  1. REPLY
    Ann Stewart says

    White family, I hope you will be comforted at this time of great loss of your dad. My dad (Sam Peery) thought the world of him and would often talk about him and the time they worked together at Geneva. He always mentioned how smart he was. Ann Peery Stewart

  2. REPLY
    Joy Argyle says

    From the Argyle family and my family, we all want to wish our sincerest sympathies. Gilbert was a wonderful man, and we enjoyed knowing him and Maxine, as well as growing up with your family. My family has very fond memories with Codi and Wanda and their family, and adventures together as our children grew up. Our hearts are with you as you spend time together sharing memories.

  3. REPLY
    Samuel James (Jim) White says

    Saddened at my dear cousin, Gil’s passing, I likewise celebrate it as a great victory. Freed from mortal trials and challenges, he can continue cherished relationships in his real Home on high where he has surely heard “well done thou good and faithful servant.” My life is laced with great memories of Gilbert and his family. I wish you all well.

  4. REPLY
    Kay Furniss says

    Brother White was one of my most favorite clients at the bank. Always the perfect gentleman, positive and gracious. He always made me feel special and I loved his visits. I will always remember him and his wonderful wife.

Leave a Condolence

Spanish Fork
(801) 798-2169
Payson
(801) 465-3846