Marce White

Known for his gentle and compassionate nature, Marce “Bud” White brought so much joy to those around him. He was hard working and a man of many interests, too, but nothing was closer to his heart than his family. Bud was blessed to spend the best years of his life with his soul mate with whom he shared so many precious moments. Being a father was perhaps Bud’s proudest achievement, and the legacy he leaves behind will be one that his children and grandchildren will be proud to carry on. Although he will be deeply missed, Bud’s family and friends will be forever grateful for having been touched by such an extraordinary man.

The year 1929 is often remembered as the year of the debilitating stock market crash that sent our nation and much of the world into the tailspin that became the Great Depression. The years that followed were among the most trying we have even seen as countless Americans lost their jobs, their homes, and their hopes and dreams for the future, too. This was a year to remember for one family in Covington, Tennessee, since they were doubly blessed with the greatest gift that Christmas day – the birth of their twins. Marce and Darce were welcomed into the world by their loving parents, Samuel and Lillie (Mintz) White, on December 25th. They were the youngest of ten children in their family and were raised on the family farm in Tennessee. Bud did his fair share of farm work and from his earliest days, he was all boy.

As a young man, Bud joined the Army and since he came down with lockjaw during basic training, he was shipped to Germany for the end of the Korean Conflict. He took some of his earnings as a soldier and sent money home to his mother in order to help make ends meet.

Life would never be the same for Bud after he made the acquaintance of the young woman with whom he would create the life he loved. Her name was Loretta Malack and they met through his brother, Woody, who was her neighbor in Chicago. After falling in love, they married in 1959 in Chicago. With this union Bud gained not only a wife, but also her four children whom he raised as his own. They were blessed with children together, too, beginning in 1960. In order to support his family, Bud worked as a machinist for Rockwell International for many years, retiring in 1996. After the famous running away incident, Bud said he was not babysitting again, so he then worked two jobs which allowed Loretta to stay home. In addition to his job at Rockwell, Bud worked at Musser where he made band instruments.

Family time was always a priority in Bud’s life. They took many fun-filled vacations down to visit family, and road trips were always adventurous to say the least. Bud and David shared such memorable times no matter what they were doing. Together father and son worked on the tractor together, hung out in the garage, or just enjoyed bonding while Bud was over to cut David’s grass. In everything he did, Bud was an excellent mentor for his children. The family reunions in Covington were always times that Bud enjoyed since gathering with extended family was important to him, too. He was close to his nieces and nephews and with nine siblings, there were certainly more than a few. Reel Foot Lake was another place that they frequented and there they usually spent the night. When grandchildren joined the family, Bud couldn’t have been happier as they were the light of his life. He treasured the time they spent together, and he will always be remembered for his chocolate fizzies.

Although much of his leisure time was spent with family, Bud also enjoyed spending time pursuing some of his other interests. He loved his John Deere tractor, especially riding in the fields, and his dogs, Lucy and Keewee, that were such beloved companions. Those who knew Bud were well aware of his love for country music as well.

Trying days were in store for Bud when the love of his life, Loretta, began showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease. He fully devoted his retirement years to tenderly caring for her out of his deep love. Bud was deeply saddened with her death in 2001. Although he drew such strength from his family during the days following her death, Bud wasn’t able to fully move forward without her. He often visited the grave sights of family members, and Sundays were reserved for Loretta’s visit. Bud was known to bring special music and picnics whenever he visited her as spending time there filled his soul.

Some will remember Marce White for his fun-loving spirit, his jovial demeanor, and his dedication to his work, but all who knew him will remember him for his deep love and commitment to his family. He was gentle and compassionate towards others as thinking of others ahead of himself came naturally to Bud. A true gift in the lives of many, Bud will be dearly missed while his memory is forever cherished.

Marce “Bud” White died on February 8, 2011 at Riverside Medical Center. Bud’s family includes by his daughters, Marjorie (Jesse) Rodriguez of Machesney Park, IL, Debbie (Peter) Lucas of Bourbonnais, IL, Donna (Patrick) Printy of Bonfield, IL, Diana (Charles) Volum of Limestone, IL; his sons, James (Butch) Kehoe of Bonfield, IL, Michael (Sadie) Kehoe of Chicago, IL, and David (Beth) White of Bonfield, IL; 15 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his twin sister, Darce Knight of Brighton, TN; and many nieces and nephews. Marce was preceded in death by wife Loretta, his daughter Shirley Burkeen, and a grandson Marce Volum. Funeral services for Marce White will be held Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. Visit with Bud’s family and friends on Friday, February 11, 2011 at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, the Humane Society, or Habitat For Life.