William “Bill” Max White

William Max “Bill” White, age 89, of Switz City, passed away peacefully at 6:33 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, while surrounded by his family at his home. Bill was born at home in Switz City on May 20, 1933, the son of Cloyce “Buster” and Nina (Cooksey) White.

Following graduation from Switz City High School in 1951, Bill entered the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. After his time in service, he returned home to farm with his father. In 1975 he formed William M. White Farms, Inc. and continued to be active with his sons and grandsons.

Bill was a member of the Switz City Christian Church, where he formerly served as president of the church board. He previously served on the Lattas Creek Ditch Board and the White River Valley School Board.

He enjoyed traveling to other countries to learn their agriculture. He loved his life on the farm with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Phyllis (Lehman) White; his daughter, Cathy (Kevin) Turpin; a son, Steve (Cindy) White; son-in-law, Larry Porter; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth White; and nine grandchildren, Jennifer (Daniel) Crites, Melissa Porter Cox, Amanda (Aaron) Buskirk, Katie (Tyler) Mullis, Kendal (Cody) Mauder, Jordan (Ashley) White, Megan (Clarence) Bell, Kortney White and Jakeb (Kaleigh) White. Bill had 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Annis Padgett; a brother, John (Bernadine) White; a brother-in-law, Sam Lehman and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, LuAnn Porter, and a son, Robert “Bob” White.

Funeral service will be held at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023, with Chris Gehring officiating. Burial will follow at Prairie Chapel Cemetery in rural Lyons.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-6 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Switz City Christian Church or the Grant-Fairplay Volunteer Fire Department, through the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared with Bill”s family at www.welchcornett.com.