Birth: 3/4/1925

Walter Edward White, born on March 4, 1925 in South Bend, Indiana, passed away on May 15, 2012. His memorial service will be held at the Tumwater First United Methodist Church on May 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Walter is survived by his wife of 57 years, Helen White; his daughter, Kelly Lane; grandchildren, Ryan Lane and Sheli Morrell; sister, Lois White; and brother, William White. Walt was a resident of Tumwater for 47 years.

Walter attended Illinois High School in West Chicago. After graduation, he immediately joined the U.S. Navy. He has degrees from Franklin College, DePauw University in Indiana, and the University of Washington. Walt graduated from Gonzaga University Law School and was admitted to Washington Bar the same year.

His professional career began in Prosser, Washington, where he was in private law practice with his father, Richard White. Walt was also a Prosser Police Judge, Benton County Justice of the Peace and a Superior Court Commissioner. Later he worked as a lawyer for U.S. Fidelity and Guaranty Co. in Seattle. Walter became a Washington State Assistant Attorney General in 1963 until his retirement. During his retirement, he served 10 years on the State Personnel Appeals Board and was also a hearing examiner and mediator for the board.

Service to his community was very important to Walter and he gave of his talents in many ways. He served for seven years on the Thurston County board of Social and Health Services Credit Union, six years on board of Thurston Mason Community Mental Health Center, and three years on Olympia Little Theatre Board where he participated in several Olympia Theatrical Productions. He also served for 10 years on the Tumwater Library Board and was a member of the Thurston Literacy Network Board. Walt was also very involved with his church and church family, Tumwater First United Methodist. He was involved in all facets of the church and was a proud member of the choir for 33 years. Walt was an avid runner well into his 80s and participated in many running events. One of his proudest was his participation in the National Senior Games.

Walter also loved his many friends and enjoyed their companionship and much appreciated their times together. Most important to Walter was his family. They were the joys of his life. He is most remembered for his youthful spirit, witty prose and love of life!

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