Vernon "Whitey" S. White

On Saturday, July 29, 2023, Vernon passed away peacefully in the historic home that he and his wife Jean purchased in 1961. Son of Hiram and Flora (Holmes) White. He was born, raised and a lifelong resident of Easton.   

Vernon was a proud World War II and Korean War veteran in the US Navy of which he enlisted in 1943 at the age of 17.  As part of his service, he was trained as a fire fighter. He served aboard the USS Astoria (CL90) from 1944-1946. 

During his time in the Navy, he was authorized to wear the American Area and Asiatic-Pacific Area service ribbons.  He was also authorized and entitled to wear the bronze star on the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon as a part of the Third Fleet in support of the campaign for the capture of Leyte, Philippines and the air attacks on Luzon, PH (December 11-24, 1944) along with the campaign to capture Luzon (December 31, 1944-January 26, 1945).  He was authorized and entitled to wear the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star for his service in the campaign for the liberation of the Philippines (January 10-20, 1945).  From February 10-March 5, 1945, he served as a member of the unit of the 5^th Fleet during the capture of Iwo Jima and was authorized and entitled to wear the bronze star on the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon.  While also a part of the 5^th Fleet he was involved in operations for the capture of Okinawa (March 14-June 1, 1945).  Between 1951 and 1952, during the Korean war, he served as a Machinist Mate Petty Officer 3^rd class on the USS Gunston Hall LSD #5.  On July 4, 1954, he was honorably discharged from the US Navy.  In the early 2000s, Vernon was honored to be the Grand Marshal in one of Easton’s Memorial Day parades.

Upon returning home from the Navy, Vernon became a man of many talents.  He was a pilot, civil engineer, heavy equipment operator, foreman in the construction industry, mechanic, carpenter, master craftsman, an overall jack of all trades.  Taking great pride in his 1800s home and property, he was always involved in some sort of project.  You could easily find him working on the roof well into his 80s.

Vernon had many friends, all of whom enjoyed listening to his colorful stories.  If you knew him, then you understand.  He was an avid New England sports fan and had some very interesting pronunciations for some of Boston’s most famous athletes names.  He loved his family dearly and was always there to lend a hand and offer his profound knowledge to his children and grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed by friends and family alike.

Vernon was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Jean White.  He is survived by his children Candace Johnson, Bonnie Felch (John Felch), Scott White (Charity White), David White (Lori Zwicker), Cindy White-Wild, and James White; along with his grandchildren Carrie Rutledge, Richard Johnson, Melissa White, Jackie Pokrant, and Matthew White.

A private burial will be held at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Old Colony Hospice and Palliative Care in memory of Vernon S. White are appreciated. https://www.oldcolonyhospice.org/donation-overview