Joseph Richard White Obituary (1926 - 2007)

Joseph Richard White passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on June 29, 2007, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Joe was born November 9, 1926 in Salt Lake City to Alfred and Johannah Cardall White. Graduated from West High School in 1944. Married Vera May Owens on August 16, 1948 in the Salt Lake Temple. Joe served in the US Navy from 1944 to 1947, serving in the Pacific Theater on the USS Hyde during WWII, including the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Joe lived the first 70 years of his life in the Poplar Grove area of Salt Lake City, until relocating to South Jordan in 1997. Joe founded Harmony Floors and Furniture in 1951 and successfully operated it until his retirement in 1982. He also founded White Family Harmony Investments in 1982 and continued to actively operate the company until his death. Joe was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in many positions throughout his life including Bishop of the Poplar Grove Ward, Counselor in the Stake Presidency of the Pioneer Stake, as well as many other church callings. He especially enjoyed working with the youth. Joe was an avid West High School and BYU fan and supporter. He was awarded the Outstanding West High Alumni of The Year in 1977. He loved building, gardening and working in his yard. His flower gardens are the envy of the neighborhood. He also loved fishing at Strawberry Reservoir with his sons and grandsons. He is survived by his bride of 58 years, 6 children Sandra (Lynn) Handy, Joseph R. Jr. (Linda) White, Emily (Richard) Hassell, Charlotte (Mark) Kranendonk, Steven B. (Shirley) White, Vera (Kelly) Baumgartner, 47 Grandchildren, 28 Great Grandchildren, Sisters Dorothy Goff-Mecham and Eva (Larvin) Pollock. Preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, three sisters, a son (Alfred Edwin) and a daughter (Valorie Ann). Funeral Services will be held Saturday July 7, 2007, 11:00 am at the River Ridge Stake Center, 10191 S 1000 West, South Jordan, Utah. The family will receive friends at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W South Jordan Parkway (10600 S), South Jordan, Utah, Friday July 6, 2007 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm and Saturday from 9:30 – 10:30 am at the Stake Center. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery. Our family wishes to thank Dr. William Sauce, Dr. William Nibley and Dr. Greg Miller and their outstanding staffs as well as the staff at Navatis Cancer Rehab Center and Dad’s Hospice Angels, Mindi and Kamee for the outstanding care provided to our father throughout his illness.