Roy Arnold White of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Saturday morning, February 26, 2011, in the Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, at the age of 86.

Roy Arnold White was born on March 25, 1924, in Moundsville, West Virginia, to Andrew Thomas White and Zula Mae (Logan) White. He moved to Caney, Kansas, as a small child and then to Blackwell in November of 1933 at the age of nine. Roy attended Blackwell Public Schools through the tenth grade. Roy then spent six months in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) where he helped build the Strother Airfield in Arkansas City, Kansas. He then moved back to Blackwell where he enlisted in the United States Navy on July 7, 1943, at the age of 18. While serving in the Navy, he advanced to Seaman 1st Class and served as a gunner in the United States Armed Guard providing protection for convoys traveling from the United States to New Guinea. He was honorably discharged on March 6, 1946. Roy married Mildred Louise Stephens of Tonkawa on June 1, 1946. She preceded him in death on March 3, 1983. Roy worked at Continental Oil Company from August 1947 to October 1950 when he was recalled to active duty to serve in the Korean conflict. He was discharged in March of 1951 due to medically related issues sustained while serving in this conflict. Upon returning he worked as a skilled laborer in the oil industry. He married Willa Mae Robinson of Tonkawa on January 11, 1984, and she preceded him in death on February 11, 1994. He later married Ruth Ann Covey Snow on April 30, 1994, in Lamont, Oklahoma. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell. He held close associations with the local Veteran's organizations and was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2855 in Blackwell where he held the positions of Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Post Chaplin and Post Commander. Roy was highly active in rendering military honors for veterans who had passed on and assisted in over 110 military funerals in the Kay county area ensuring that the deceased veterans were laid to rest with the honors due them, including presentation of the United States Flag and the playing of taps. Roy was also a key coordinator in the naming of Veterans Way in Blackwell. His civic activities on behalf of Veterans will be missed.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 4th at the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell with the Rev Robert Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery with military rights preformed by the United States Navy.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth White of Blackwell, Oklahoma; three sons, Ronald White and wife Martha of Nokesville, Virginia, Donald White of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Stephen White and wife Laura; two daughters, Donna Barrett and husband Gene of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Debra Jones and husband Rocky of Elkins, Arkansas; twelve grandchildren, Brian White, Lee Kevin White, Donald White, Jr., Kristy Anson, Tamara Casner, Barbara Ools, Jeannie Sackett, Destiny Moxley, Ronald Jones, Rocky Jones, Jr., James Mongur and Lara Mongur; twenty-three great grandchildren, Katlin White, Brandon White, Hunter White, Eddie White, Kaylynn White, Aiden White, Trent White, Vicky Jordan, Kevin Edward Anson, Adreanna Anson, Blake Ryan Casner, Garrett Ools, Audrey Ools, Ethan Meiwes, Austin Meiwes, Wade Moxley, David Moxley, Abby Jones, Laney Jones, Lilianna Jones, Derek Jones, Jason Jones and Mildred Elizabeth White; one great great granddaughter, Erika Lyn and two brothers, Bill Lyons of Okmulgee, Oklahoma and Hermon White of Perry, Oklahoma.

Casketbearers will be Rocky Jones, Jr., Ronnie Jones, Matt Jones, Donnie White, Jr., Les Ools, Ethan Meiwes, and Austin Meiwes.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the First United Methodist Church for Wednesday night meals in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.