Leonard A. White

Leonard A. White, age 89, of Cornell, passed away early Sunday morning, November 14, 2021 at North Woods Place in Escanaba. He was born on October 2, 1932 in St. Anne, IL, the son of Ralph and Clara (Morrical) White. Leonard was raised in St. Anne, IL and was a 1951 graduate of St. Anne High School. He went on to attend The Salvation Army College for Officers. On February 2, 1953 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged on November 23, 1954. Leonard married the former Evelyn Wells on September 24, 1955 in Aroma Park, IL. Together, the couple shared 66 years of marriage and raised 6 children. Leonard served with The Salvation Army in the following cities: Chicago, IL, Freeport, IL, Pontiac, IL, Joliet, IL Jefferson City, MO, St. Louis, MO, Traverse City, MI, Muskegon, IL, Benton Harbor, MI, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Janesville, WI, and lastly retired from Alpena, MI. Leonard and Evelyn relocated to Cornell, MI where they built their retirement log home. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors – especially hunting and fishing. Leonard also enjoyed wood carving and collecting knives. He was a member of The Salvation Army in Escanaba.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Evelyn White of Cornell; children, Susan (David) Bucholtz of Clifford, MI, Ricky (Nancy) White of Havelock, NC, Phyllis (Brian) Hart of Traverse City, MI, Ruth (Rick) Smith of Woods Cross, UT, Daniel (Kyley) White of Allegan, MI, and Mary (Bill) Payment of Rogersville, AL; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Alice Tower of TN; sisters-in-law, Shirley White and Anita (White) Ford; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by his brothers, Wayne and Richard; and sister, Doris.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021 at The Salvation Army in Escanaba. Military Honors will be conducted at 4:00 p.m., Friday, at The Salvation Army by the Delta County Veterans Council with funeral services to follow with Captain Doug Winters officiating. Burial will take place in St. Anne Cemetery in St. Anne, IL. 

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