Russell Eddie "Russ" White
Sep 18, 1949 - May 1, 2014
Posted by: Janet Laubhan Flickinger

http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/

Russell E. White, 64, of Moore, died in a tragic accident on Thursday, May 1, 2014, near Woodward while trying to help a friend.  Russ was born September 18, 1949 at Norman Regional Hospital to Shirley Evelyn (Lee) and Virgil Preston White.

As a youth, Russ was known for his precociousness.  At the age of 3 months, he could stand holding the back of a chair.  This strength grew to a lifetime hobby of lifting weights. He had a talent for working on cars which began when he was 12.  He created a family legend when, as a young boy (with a broken arm!), he saved a younger cousin who had fallen into a fish pond.

Russ was a sensitive soul who loved his family deeply.  He enjoyed camping and spending time at the lake with his wife, Karen, and three children, Ben, Kristen and Cody. He took joy in traveling to watch Ben’s college football games, fishing with Cody, and watching Kristen’s dance recitals. He once built a three story tree house in his backyard.  One of Russ’ hobbies was gardening, and he was particularly happy to share the vegetables he grew with friends and family.

Russ worked for General Motors in Oklahoma City from the day they opened until the day they closed.

Russ joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17, served in Viet Nam, and was awarded the Cross of Gallantry with Palm. While Russ and his family were proud of Russ’ military service, Russ suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and struggled with depression and addiction for many years which worsened in his later years.  His family grieves his passing and the tragic manner in which he died, but knows he has found peace in the arms of a loving God and has been joyously reunited with family and friends who preceded him in death, including his parents and younger brother, Virgil.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Karen; his daughter, Kristen Earnhardt and husband, Jason, of Murphy, Texas; his son, Ben and wife, Ashlee, of Ada; his son, Cody, currently serving in the Army in Germany; and 6 grandchildren, Madi, Peri, Brody, Kaden, Kreed, and Tyler.  He is also survived by one brother, Preston Gregory White and his wife, Pat, and two sisters, Shirley Merrell and Nancy Harrington and her husband, Van, all of Norman.

Memorial Services will begin at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the Havenbrook Funeral Home Chapel, 3401 Havenbrook Street in Norman.

Memorials may be made in memory of Russell White to Veterans Corner, 122 E. Center Road, Goldsby, Oklahoma 73093.

Thank You For Your Service!