Edgar W. White

Proverbs 18: 24 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” This verse is one that describes the life of Edgar W. White who crossed the river Jordan on Friday, April 10th, 2015.

Edgar was a practicing attorney at law for 60 plus years in Elkhart, Kansas. Pretty Prairie, Kansas, was his birthplace on September 7, 1923, to Earl and Fay (McCowan) White. Edgar attended school in Pretty Prairie through the fifth grade at which time the family moved southwest of Manter, Kansas. In the year 1939 the family moved 12 miles north of Elkhart where they continued farming and raising Hereford cattle. Edgar graduated from Elkhart High School in 1939 and then attended Sterling College two years. He joined the Navy V-12 Program in 1942. Upon an honorable discharge he entered Law School at the University of Colorado.

Edgar met Doris Caywood while attending Sterling College. Edgar, already in the Navy, was met by Doris and his mother, Fay, who traveled by train to New York City. They were married on October 26th, 1944, in Riverside Church.

Edgar and Doris lived at the White home place until Edgar constructed their house on Colorado Street in Elkhart. He then opened his private law practice in 1953. He purchased Farmers & Lawyers Title Company in 1954 and later received his Real Estate Broker’s license and established White Real Estate. June 18th, 1979, Edgar was sworn-in as a qualified attorney and counselor before the Supreme Court of the United States of America in Washington D.C.

During these early years of marriage two children were born to Edgar and Doris while in Boulder, Colorado. Lana and husband, Jim Willimon, reside in Stinnett, Texas. Kevin and wife, Betty reside south of Elkhart, Kansas. Edgar was very proud of Kevin and Jim for their military service; and grandson Jay, presently serving in the United States Coast Guard.  

Edgar was a member of many organizations, committees, school board, both on the local level and state offices. The Morton County Historical Society Museum is a reality today due to his hard work and dedication to the pioneers of Morton County and the surrounding area. He was the first charter member and held the office of President for many years. He and Doris were very active in their church. They both participated in the music program of their church and blessed all with their loving-kindness.

A special love of Edgar’s was flying. This was realized in 1956 when he received his private pilot license. In 1972 he also earned his commercial license. Many joyful hours were spent in his Cessna Skylane. Trips with the family to the West Coast and Gulf of Mexico being highlights of his flying career.

Edgar and Doris loved time spent in their travel trailer in the Northern New Mexico Mountains making many new friends. Soon family members followed them to this beautiful area sharing time and memories.  

Edgar was the eldest of seven children. Brothers: Ray, Floyd and Gene. Sisters: Helen (White) Swagerty, Elva (White) Johnson, and JoAnn (White) Fowler. He is preceded in death by Ray and Helen.

Edgar and Doris were blessed by four grandsons: Mikal and wife, Carla; Chad and wife, Brandi; Jay and wife, Mitzi Willimon; and Michael and wife Katrina Bellomy. Great grandchildren: Jake and Connor Willimon, Victoria and Olivia Willimon, Mac, Owen, Ethan and Jack Willimon, and Devry and Dalen Bellomy.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Elkhart, Kansas with Brother Ed Richards, Brother David Johnson and Brother Terrell Giddens officiating. Burial will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery, Elkhart, Kansas with Military Rites by VFW Point Rock Post #3162. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart.  

Condolences may be sent to Lana and Jim at P.O. Box 631 Stinnett, Texas 79083; and Kevin and Betty at P.O. Box 1217 Elkhart, Kansas 67950. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Morton County Historical Society Museum in care of Garnand Funeral Home, P.O. Box 854, Elkhart, Kansas 67950.