Obituary for Donald Elliott White, Jr.
Wichita, Kansas – Donald “Don” Elliot White, Jr., 78, died Saturday December 3, 2022, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center following complications due to a fall.
He leaves behind a wife of 45 years, Constance (Connie) Ann (Wiggans), a daughter Christine (Christi) Elizabeth McCan (White), her husband Landon, and a son James (Jim) Donald White and his wife Carrie, as well as two granddaughters Everett Amelia and Maren Elizabeth, and a brother Tracey White (Shawnna). Also survived by brothers-in-law, John Wiggans (Rochelle), Cy Wiggans (Robin), and Matthew Wiggans (Virginia); nieces and nephews Laura Wiggans Wright, Amy Cardone, Jason Terrel (Shanda), Ann Rust (Josh) and Nathan Wiggans; and great nieces and nephews Athan, Jove, Juniper, Lily, Trista, Angela, Jesse, Allison, and Lila.
Don was born in Montclair, New Jersey on January 16, 1944 and raised in Seattle Washington. He was the son of Donald E. White, Sr. and Virginia Elizabeth Ragsdale. After graduating from Mount Rainier High School, Don joined the Army serving with the US Army Corps of Engineers during the Vietnam era in Thailand and Germany from 1963-1966. Following his service, he attended the University of Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an emphasis on Foreign Relations in 1969. Afterwards, he attended Santa Clara University where he attained his Master’s degree in Business in 1975.
Don had a passion for flying and achieved his single engine pilots license, completing his first solo flight on May 17, 1975. Don also earned his commercial flight license, VFR and IFR certifications for flying. In addition to enjoying time in the air, he was also certified as a flight instructor, teaching many others to share his joy of the sky. Don also loved dogs and the White home was never lacking in pets that they loved. He was also an avid reader who never was without a book or his Kindle.
In 1976, Don combined his love of flying with his business background moved to Wichita taking a job with Cessna Aircraft Company. During this time, Don went to Mid-Kansas Federal Savings and Loan to open an account, which is where he met his loving wife, Connie. They were married November 19, 1977. Don also worked at Boeing Aircraft Company and Raytheon Technologies in their finance divisions. Leaving the finance industry, Don earned his math certification at Wichita State University and taught 9th grade algebra at Northeast Magnet High School for four years. Don’s final job was with Cy Wiggans’ Insurance Agency, from which he retired in 2013.
Funeral Services will be held at Pathway Church, 2001 N. Maize, Wichita, Kansas this Friday, Decmber 9th, 2022, at 11:00 am. Don will be interred at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Winfield, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the KSHumane.org Donate Here
He leaves behind a wife of 45 years, Constance (Connie) Ann (Wiggans), a daughter Christine (Christi) Elizabeth McCan (White), her husband Landon, and a son James (Jim) Donald White and his wife Carrie, as well as two granddaughters Everett Amelia and Maren Elizabeth, and a brother Tracey White (Shawnna). Also survived by brothers-in-law, John Wiggans (Rochelle), Cy Wiggans (Robin), and Matthew Wiggans (Virginia); nieces and nephews Laura Wiggans Wright, Amy Cardone, Jason Terrel (Shanda), Ann Rust (Josh) and Nathan Wiggans; and great nieces and nephews Athan, Jove, Juniper, Lily, Trista, Angela, Jesse, Allison, and Lila.
Don was born in Montclair, New Jersey on January 16, 1944 and raised in Seattle Washington. He was the son of Donald E. White, Sr. and Virginia Elizabeth Ragsdale. After graduating from Mount Rainier High School, Don joined the Army serving with the US Army Corps of Engineers during the Vietnam era in Thailand and Germany from 1963-1966. Following his service, he attended the University of Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an emphasis on Foreign Relations in 1969. Afterwards, he attended Santa Clara University where he attained his Master’s degree in Business in 1975.
Don had a passion for flying and achieved his single engine pilots license, completing his first solo flight on May 17, 1975. Don also earned his commercial flight license, VFR and IFR certifications for flying. In addition to enjoying time in the air, he was also certified as a flight instructor, teaching many others to share his joy of the sky. Don also loved dogs and the White home was never lacking in pets that they loved. He was also an avid reader who never was without a book or his Kindle.
In 1976, Don combined his love of flying with his business background moved to Wichita taking a job with Cessna Aircraft Company. During this time, Don went to Mid-Kansas Federal Savings and Loan to open an account, which is where he met his loving wife, Connie. They were married November 19, 1977. Don also worked at Boeing Aircraft Company and Raytheon Technologies in their finance divisions. Leaving the finance industry, Don earned his math certification at Wichita State University and taught 9th grade algebra at Northeast Magnet High School for four years. Don’s final job was with Cy Wiggans’ Insurance Agency, from which he retired in 2013.
Funeral Services will be held at Pathway Church, 2001 N. Maize, Wichita, Kansas this Friday, Decmber 9th, 2022, at 11:00 am. Don will be interred at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Winfield, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the KSHumane.org Donate Here