Harold "Hal" A. White

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Harold “Hal” Allen White, age 76, of Galveston, who left us on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital in Indianapolis. Hal was born on June 29, 1948, in Lakeland, Florida, to the late Howard and Lila (Enlow) White.  He is now free from pain, joyfully embraced by the Lord to whom he was deeply devoted, and able to enjoy all the activities he had been missing for so many years.  

In 1974, Hal married the love of his life, Mary Lou (Wilson) White. Their 50 years of marriage were marked by deep love, laughter, and unforgettable memories, including a joyous Caribbean cruise in July 2024, surrounded by friends and family to celebrate their milestone anniversary.

Hal graduated from Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida in 1966, then served honorably in the United States Air Force for four years, including an overseas combat tour during the Vietnam War. Later, he spent a year in the National Guard and was a member of The member of The American Legion.  After his service, he worked for 32 years as a service technician with GTE/Verizon, although he has been telling people for years that it was 33.  In retirement, he went on to work at Miami Correctional Facility as a Correction Officer for six years and drove a school bus for Lewis Cass for a few years. 

An avid outdoorsman, Hal was always happiest when he was surrounded by nature. He loved snorkeling, canoeing, camping, backpacking, and fishing. But above all, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family and worshiping alongside those he loved at St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church.

He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need and we would not be surprised to hear stories of him actually doing this.  He was also dedicated to being a Boy Scout leader for several years, a role that allowed him to share his love for adventure with others.  He was an NRA certified firearms instructor and spent many years teaching the Boy Scouts, 4-H kids, and many friends and family members.  Additionally, he participated in organizations that allowed him to help others such as Big Brothers, fostering, and mentoring at-risk teenagers. 

Hal’s memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Mary Lou; children, Kian White, Jesse (Sarah) White, and Ben (Tarah) White; sister, Lynn Richmond; and his grandchildren: Trenton Harrison, Adrianna Harrison, Eliza White, Gabriel White, Dawson White, Hallie White, Lucas White, Olivia White, Everett White, and Parker White. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him endless joy.  He has three special nieces, Marie Richmond, Janice Richmond, and Diana Fernandez.  He is survived by brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Barb Wilson, Pam Wilson, Gene & Carol (Wilson) Swank, and numerous nephews and nieces from the Wilson family.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Tarbell, nephew, Paul Tarbell, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Charles & Linda Wilson, Tom Wilson, Max Wilson, David & Linda(Wilson) Rouch, and niece Deb (Wilson) Sparks.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM at St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church in Kokomo, 914 W. Taylor St. A Panikhida memorial service will begin at 7:30 PM.

An Orthodox funeral service to honor Hal’s life will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM at United In Faith Church of Galveston, 515 S Maple St, Galveston. Burial will follow at Galveston Cemetery.   Please return to the United In Faith Church for a mercy meal after the burial.  At this time we would love to listen to people share their stories of Hal and jam to some of his favorite tunes. 

Fr. Philip Lashbrook will lead the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church.  

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