Robert L. White

Robert L. White, age 83, of Grants Pass, died Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at his home.

Robert was born October 3, 1931 in Sabino, New Mexico to David & Juanita (Davidson) White. From 1951 to 1954 he served in the United States Navy as a minesweeper on a wooden ship also cooking for 80 men. He married Diane Marie in 1950 and they had four children, they were divorced in 1958. On September 24, 1960 in Inglewood, California he married Diane Ellen Schwilke. They had one child. From 1960 to 1964 Robert attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. He pastored Baptist churches in Washington, Oregon, California, Texas, and Missouri. In 2002 he moved from California to Grants Pass.

Robert was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Grants Pass and served as a deacon for nine years. Over the years Robert sang church solos in Spanish and English; taught Sunday School adult Bible classes; and was involved in a Spanish ministry of teaching Bible study in California and Oregon.

His hobbies included reading, oil painting, and music. At age 17 he played trombone in a dance band and enjoyed watching Big Band music on television.

Survivors include his wife, Diane E. White of Grants Pass, Oregon; five children, Kathleen Hepperly and husband Roger of Paso Robles, California, Christina Wiley and husband Mike of Brookings, Oregon, Sue Beppu of Brookings, Oregon, David Martin of Concord, California; and Jon White and wife Vicki of Grants Pass, Oregon; 17 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 20, 2015 at Faith Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Burman officiating. Private interment will be at Eagle Point National Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.