Roger White

Roger Dean White, a hardworking man of quiet strength, humble heart, good humor, and integrity, passed away on January 6th, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving a legacy of devotion to his family, faith, and his community.

Born on December 28, 1942, in Shelby, Ohio, to Wilbur and Helen White, the third of five siblings. Roger’s early years were shaped by the hard work of his family’s dairy farm, where he spent his youth milking cows and collecting eggs to sell in their small town. From 10 to 16 years old, Roger was active in 4-H, taking animals and various exhibits to the county fair in August of every year.

Roger attended Shelby High School where he further developed his interest in science as a member of SHS science club as well as his talent as a distance runner, earning the nickname, “Killer White”. Most significantly, during his sophomore year at SHS, Roger began dating Joan Culbertson, a fellow classmate, and the two soon fell in love. Roger and Joan attended The Ohio State University together, and married while Roger finished his degree in microbiology. They shared 62 years of marriage, Roger cherished Joan deeply, writing her love letters, and staying by her side until the very end.

Roger dedicated nearly 50 years to his career as a microbiologist in Columbus, Ohio, and many years helping his community as a volunteer firefighter. Despite his professional commitments, he was defined by his role as a family man. He was a constant presence at every race, concert, and event for his children.

He was a proud supporter of his children and grandchildren running track and cross country, and spent innumerable hours on the sidelines coaching and cheering. He seemed happiest when playing with his grandkids, whether he was teaching them something new, throwing a frisbee, or making them laugh with his silly sense of humor.

In 2005, Roger and Joan moved to Missoula, Montana, where they enjoyed RV camping and the beauty of nature. Even in retirement, Roger remained active in service, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, the local food bank, and Habitat for Humanity.

A lifelong Buckeye, Roger loved Ohio State football and frequently discussed the games with his family. He was an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge in science, history, and spirituality, particularly enjoying the works of James Herriot and a book of biblical verses and daily devotionals. His hobbies were diverse: he researched family genealogy, studied German even into retirement, and was a talented gardener who took pride in sharing any modest harvest with those around him. For a time he grew orchids and delighted in overwintering cherry tomato plants indoors to share with grandkids.

He felt most fortunate when traveling the world by Joan’s side, adventuring to every corner of the United States and Hawaiian islands, Australia, and Europe. Among his most cherished memories were trips to England and Germany meeting Tindale cousins, tracing the Esbenshade lineage. Equally precious to him were summers spent at the family cottage in Ohio, near Lake Erie, with his siblings, children, and grandchildren. He looked forward to annual family reunions in Ohio around the fourth of July.

Roger was a man of practicality and principle. He would strive to fix and repair almost every car they owned, and was never afraid to get his hands dirty to help his family or a friend. He would always lend a hand, stand when you entered the room, and pull the chair out for my mom.

Roger will be remembered for his honesty, kindness, hard work, and simplicity, usually found with a cup of tea in hand and a story to share.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Marlaina Nell White; his son-in-law Mark Wypasek; his parents Helen and Wilbur White; brothers-in-law Doug Hedrick, William Allen, and Joe Platt: and his cherished four legged buddy, Popcorn. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan White of Missoula, Montana; their five children, Ben White and his wife Carrie of Perrysburg, Ohio; Matt White and his wife Teressa, of Marco Island, Florida; Stella (Jennifer) White of Missoula, Montana; Jeremy White and his wife Stacey, of Park City, Utah; and Sarah White and her husband John Lilburn, of Missoula, Montana; his eleven beloved grandchildren, Jacob, Joel, Raines, Evan, Carina, Grace, Drew, Nico (Avery), Ella, Mattie, and Briji; one great-granddaughter, Whitney; and his four siblings, Ann Hedrick, Gene White (Judy), Mary Platt, and Sue Rabold (Jim); his sister-in-law Carol Allen, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to SIDS prevention research with American SIDS Institute.